In July 1996, the Department of Commerce (DOC), through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, awarded 38 Phase 1 contracts. These awards, of up to $50,000 each, and totaling approximately $1,894,549.00 are for a 6-month effort to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative approaches to the research topics identified in the DOC SBIR Program Solicitation for FY1996 (DOC 96-1). Abstracts of the successful proposals submitted under this solicitation, and brief comments on their potential commercial applications, are provided in this publication.

In Phase 2, funding is provided for projects that appear most promising after Phase 1 is completed. These awards can be for up to $200,000 each and for 2 years. Phase 3 is the commercialization phase which uses non-SBIR funding to pursue potential commercial applications of the project. The DOC awarded a total of 21 Phase 2 contracts in FY1996 for a total of approximately $4,188,153.00. Abstracts of successful Phase 2 proposals and comments on their commercial applications are also provided in this publication.

The SBIR program is highly competitive. A total of about 275 proposals were received by DOC in response to its FY1996 solicitation. The proposals were independently reviewed by DOC scientists and/or engineers. With the funds available, only 38 could be selected. Final selection was based upon the results of the reviews, a proposal's relative importance to DOC needs, relationship to on-going research, and potential for commercialization.

Go to the NIST SBIR Awards by State.

Note: Certain non-ASCII characters may not be represented accurately in this document. In cases where there may be doubt, please refer to the printed copy of the solicitation or direct your questions to sbir@nist.gov.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences

SUBTOPIC: 8.1.1 Unmanned Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft

TITLE: Long-Range Communications for the Aerosonde Autonomous Sounding Aircraft

ABSTRACT:

In 1995, we started field trials of a miniature autonomous aircraft, or aerosonde, for long-range weather reconnaissance. With a maximum weight of only 12 kg, and a wingspan of 3 m, it has about 1500 km range and 24 hours endurance. This early version leaves much room for improvement, and we expect to double range and endurance by mid- 1997. Still another doubling ultimately should be feasible, to more than 7000 km range, along with a ceiling of about 16 km. Aerosondes have already made meteorological-quality thermodynamic and wind measurements, and have the potential to do so on a wide-scale with total costs in the tens of dollars per flight-hour.

This project concentrates on improving communications range, which is vital to realizing the aircraft's promise. At present, a supervisory station must have line-of-sight with the aircraft, and in practice this limits operating radius to about 100 km. To go further, we need over-the-horizon communications, which means preferably, though not necessarily, a satellite relay. In Phase 1, we propose to study the options, select one, and design a new avionics set for use in 1997. In Phase 2, we would do long-range trials, including mid-ocean soundings and hurricane reconnaissance.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Substantial expansion of the global radiosonde network promises to become fiscally practicable using aerosondes, with soundings in remote areas made no more expensive than soundings from fixed sites on land. Aerosondes should likewise be economical for systematic monitoring of tropical cyclones and other severe weather over much of the globe. Consequently we envision a market in operational meteorology of over 1000 aircraft per year, with additional possibilities in atmospheric research and other areas of environmental monitoring.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences

SUBTOPIC: 8.1.3 Mobile Boundary Layer Wind Profiler

TITLE: A Mobile Boundary Layer Radar Wind Profiler for Remote Measurements of Vertical Wind Shear

ABSTRACT:

This project will develop a mobile boundary layer radar wind profiler intended for rapid deployment in regions of severe storm activity. The goal of this research will be to investigate the feasibility of developing a low cost, low maintenance, mobile instrument capable of profiling vertical and horizontal wind velocities in the lowest 3 km of the atmosphere. The system's mobility and quick setup time will allow operators to drive to a site and be operational in a few minutes. During Phase 1, research will focus on vehicle selection, optimizing system parameters, and novel techniques for clutter reduction. Quadrant has recently developed software motion compensation techniques that can be used to automatically determine the position of the antenna beams. This techniques eliminates the need for mechanical antenna leveling and alignment. A design for a mobile boundary layer wind profiler will be delivered at the conclusion of Phase 1, and Quadrant Engineering will propose to build a mobile profiler system during Phase 2.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Mobile boundary layer wind profilers would be beneficial for rapid deployment during severe weather, forest fire management, and for research in remote locations. Such systems could also monitor the spread of atmospheric pollutants, making them useful to the EPA and utilities.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences

SUBTOPIC: 8.1.4 Seismic Tornado Detection System

TITLE: Seismic Detection of Tornados

ABSTRACT:

This project concerns tornado detection based on seismic waves. At the present time, the only generally accepted method for detecting when a tornado is on the ground is human observation. Based on actual seismic signals combined with eyewitness testimony, there is very strong evidence to indicate that a tornado in contact with the ground produces significant tornadic seismic vibrations (TSV), both long-period and short-period. The proposed program is designed to lead to a totally new way of detecting when a tornado is on the ground, based on the tornadic seismic signal (TSS) derived from the TSV. This seismic tornado detector (STD) system has considerable potential for use by government agencies for the protection of the general populace, as well as for use by the individual citizen for personal safety within the home. The specific research objectives to be accomplished during Phase 1 will be as follows: 1) Comparison of seismic records with tornado data to identify any additional chance measurements of TSS, 2) Continued collection of eyewitness accounts of TSV, 3) Improved understanding of the transfer of energy from the tornado to the ground, 4) Initial estimate of characteristics of TSS, 5) Design of STD instrument package, 6) Development of a test plan for validation of STD system, and 7) Complete documentation of all results obtained.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

An STD alarm device could be marketed for use in private residences. In the twenty-two most tornado-prone states, where 91% of all tornadoes in the United States occur, there are an estimated 50 million residences. If 10% of the owners bought the product at a price between fifty and one hundred dollars, the market value would be 250 to 500 million dollars.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.2 Ocean Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.2.1 Operational Ocean Instrumentation and Measurement Systems

TITLE: High Resolution Surface Current Mapping Radar System for Intercoastal Waterways

ABSTRACT:

Quadrant Engineering has recently developed a wide bandwidth microwave radar system, named CDKS, capable of processing radar signals using the Delta K technique. Design goals were to develop a ruggedized, compact, and low-cost instrument for operational use as part of NOAA's harbor monitoring system. In this project, the first field experiments are to be carried out using the CDKS system. These experiments will be made from a tower overlooking Newark Harbor and will be carried out continuously over a two week period. Measurements using a single CDKS system can be employed to measure surface currents parallel to the radar line-of-sight. During Phase 1, we will investigate techniques to combine two CDKS systems, placed several kilometers apart, to measure the complete current vector. Successful completion of Phase 1 research will result in Phase 2 development and fielding of a dual CDKS system for measuring surface current vector in shipping channels, harbors, and estuaries.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Applications of this technology include remote surface current mapping in shipping channels, harbors, and estuaries, which will serve to improve the safety and efficiency of shipping.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources

SUBTOPIC: 8.3.1 Reducing or Eliminating Bycatch in Fisheries Using Fish Attracting Devices

TITLE: Thomas Drop Net Concept

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of the Thomas Drop Net Concept is to introduce a new method of catching pure schools of surface feeding fish with the ability to select only those schools of targeted species which are of desirable size.

The method involves a helicopter deployed drop net which is lowered around a selected school of targeted species, pursed, and left floating. When the seiner arrives, they place a transfer sack under and around the drop net, transferring the school to the seiner. At that time, the drop net can be deployed again as targets of opportunity remain available.

The goal of this project is to introduce to the commercial tuna fishing industry a new method of selective harvesting made possible by the newly developed Spectra Fiber, thusly keeping the U.S. tuna fleet on the cutting edge of technology. Our Concept will prove to be the most efficient method of harvesting, with the end result being that the highest tonnage and highest quality tuna will be harvested on a U.S. flag tuna vessel utilizing the Thomas Drop Net Concept.

Economically, the increased catch will result in shorter trips for the vessels, along with higher income from higher quality fish.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Perfection of the concept is anticipated to eliminate the waste of living marine resources. Ocean Friendly intends to license the manufacture of the Thomas Drop Net Concept, and make it available to all tuna purse seine vessels.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources

SUBTOPIC: 8.3.3 Distance and Size Estimation from Stereo Video Images

TITLE: The Underwater Stereoscopic Measurement System

ABSTRACT:

Xybion Corporation will develop a video-camera based Underwater Stereoscopic Measurement System (USMS) for making routine size estimates of close range objects (0.3 - 8.0 meters from the cameras). The USMS will build on a set of proprietary algorithms that were developed by Xybion for stereoscopic imaging and are incorporated in a commercial software package. The system will consist of a rigid submersible mount that will hold two video cameras with overlapping fields-of-view in fixed relative positions. A detachable, rigid, calibration mount will also be provided. The stereo cameras will be time-synchronized so that the recorded images from the two cameras can be temporally aligned during post processing. Post processing is performed on a personal computer with an appropriate frame-grabber board. Using a monitor, the user interactively selects the objects of interest for evaluation.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Potential uses of the USMS include all applications, both military and commercial, that require routine inspection of underwater structures at close range. These include ships, oil rigs, piers, and bridges. Salvage and rescue teams will find USMS useful for detailed inspection of wrecks and accident sites. Marine

researchers will find USMS useful for non-destructive evaluation of average size and growth of marine animals and plants.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science

SUBTOPIC: 8.4.1 Aquaculture - Water Reuse and Effluent Treatment Systems

TITLE: Perfluoromembranes for Low Cost Oxygen Enrichment of Aquaculture

ABSTRACT:

Success in aquaculture depends heavily on delivery of oxygen to fish. Currently, liquid oxygen and on-site generation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) are two methods for supplying oxygen to aquaculture. Both are costly and have absorption efficiency problems. Membrane contractors, paddle wheels, and porous pipes are used with limited success to enhance oxygen transport to aquaculture. We have developed novel perfluoromembranes that are extremely efficient, and provide oxygen enrichment. Compact systems of these membranes would offer low cost, reliability, portability, and improved absorption efficiency. Portable oxygen delivery systems are valuable for reducing stress on fish during shipment. Currently, membrane systems are not compact or low cost. We propose developing hollow fiber thin film composite (HF-TFC) membrane systems to supply 26-32% oxygen enriched air (OEA) with productivity 20-30 times existing membranes. Our perfluoropolymer HF-TFC will therefore provide the needed cost savings, reliability, and portability for oxygen delivery in aquaculture markets. Phase 1 will include fabrication of membrane modules plus comprehensive evaluation in pilot aquaculture systems. The non-porous nature and low surface energy should allow these perfluoromembranes to be submerged in aquaculture with minimal fouling; resistance to steam sterilization and harsh chemicals allow for various cleaning methods if fouling is a problem.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Since perfluoromembranes were demonstrated in the laboratory, we expect field evaluation can be demonstrated in Phase 1 with full- scale, optimized systems evaluated in Phase 2. In addition to improving oxygen delivery in aquaculture, OEA membranes can be used for many other applications including portable oxygen supply for respiratory care and enhance engine performance. These other applications should spread out costs, therefore keeping aquaculture costs low.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science

SUBTOPIC: 8.4.2 Aquaculture - Broodstock Development and Fingerling Production Technology

TITLE: Brood Shrimp Nutrition: Cold-processed, Stabilized, Complete Feeds for Maturation

ABSTRACT:

Broodshrimp are given natural (wild-capture) foods for maintenance and maturation. This practice causes problems with production schedules and diseases, limits management options, and raises production costs. Conventional feed processing can degrade high quality ingredients-essential nutrients and other natural biochemicals- such that they become ineffective for broodshrimp reproduction. The purpose of this study is to research and develop broodshrimp feeds that overcome existing nutritional constraints. We will make and study "cold" processed feed mixes containing natural foods (marine worms, squid, etc.), that are coupled with irradiation to protect heat-labile and oxidation-sensitive nutrients, while attenuating pathogens borne by natural foods and ingredients.

Our work will give estimates of water and shelf stability; approximate composition; fatty acid and amino acid profiles; essential micronutrients and metabolic intermediates; microbe load and sterility; and comparative economics of feed production and use. Prototype feeds are to be tested with Panaeus vannamei, and we expect correlations from test results to permit our developing complete broodshrimp feeds. We plan to continue R&D for practical, complete feeds for other species to help support the multi-billion dollar shrimp industry worldwide and offset an estimated $2 billion shrimp import to the U.S.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Tests for feasibility of special feed processing will help us to improve our existing shrimp maturation feed and potentially lead to complete broodshrimp feeds for domestic and international markets. This development work will allow the U.S. to become a world leader in the manufacture of nutritionally complete maturation diets for shrimp.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.5 Cartography and Photogrammetry

SUBTOPIC: 8.5.1 Cartographic Data and Geographic Information Systems

TITLE: Automated Feature Extraction from Scanned Nautical Charts and High-Resolution Images for GIS Applications Using Expert Systems Programmable with Pseudo-English

ABSTRACT:

Converted from advanced automatic target recognition (ATR) processors, this new feature extraction/GIS system (a) uses raster data as input, and thus eliminates manual digitization; (b) uses expert systems to extract features automatically, and thus eliminates time-consuming and error-prone manual object tracing; and (c) vectorizes the extracted objects and converts them into GIS layers automatically, and thus eliminates the intermediate, man-in-the-loop steps of conventional GIS procedures. We achieve such data processing efficiency by first combining Image processing, Multi- sources analysis and GIS into one single system, second by using pseudo English as a programming language to perform pattern recognition, third by using a target identification system to perform numeric character recognition, and fourth by combining a rule-based object recognizer and an image-library-based object matcher into one integrated system. In this environment, each processor is an English key word, and a set of key words becomes an expert system that controls the entire feature extraction and GIS processes. We will demonstrate these claimed system capabilities and GIS benefits from testing with scanned NOAA nautical charts and government-supplied high-resolution image data, if appropriate.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Currently, recreational boats are equipped to display nautical charts if a proper media exists. Vector-based data are much easier for electronic display, as a minimum scanned nautical chart can be vectorized for use as an electronic chart. Potential users are 14 million recreational boat owners. The same technology is applicable to extracting map features from scanned topographic maps. Potential users are owners of ground vehicles. Additional applications are in medical imaging for early detection of breast cancer, and in pattern recognition for character identification.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winners

TOPIC: 8.6 Data and Information Systems

SUBTOPIC: 8.6.1 Real-time Geolocated Image Processing and Display Systems

TITLE: An Integrated Multi-Sensor Data Processing System

ABSTRACT:

This project will develop a multi-sensor data acquisition and processing system. The goal of this research will be to investigate the feasibility of developing a high-performance, real-time system capable of coordinating the simultaneous operation of several sensors aboard aircraft.

The system's main feature would be real-time processing and display of data products such as salinity charts, sea temperature, and phytoplankton pigmentation count. The design will use a distributed processing architecture to achieve a high level of parallism and ease of expandability. During Phase 1, research will first focus on evaluation of various computer architectures, such as VME and VXI, that will be best suited for the multi-sensor processing system. The Phase 1 final report will include a prototype design of the data processing system that will integrate data from radiometers, multispectral cameras, GPS, and aircraft navigational instruments.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

A standard data processing system that can integrate data from a number of sensors simultaneously would be useful to a number of end- users, including governmental agencies and the remote sensing community in general.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Technology Services

SUBTOPIC: 8.8.1 Commercial Electronic Database for the NIST- Fibrational Frequencies of Polyatomic Molecules

TITLE: Database Software for Polyatomic Molecules

ABSTRACT:

The development of Microsoft Windows based database software is proposed. The electronic database will contain information associated with vibrational frequency of polyatomic molecules as provided in various literatures and by Standard Reference Data (SRD) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The electronic database will hold frequency of fibrational modes, the force constant, as well as notes and references. The MS Windows based graphical user interface will allow easy and flexible search and display capability. All molecular states are displayed in its symbolic form, exactly as one would find in the literature. The program will be packaged with a powerful search module allowing a variety of different methods of locating the desired molecule. The end-product of Phase 1 development will be a working (beta) version of the database software.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Data on vibrational frequencies of polyatomic molecules are used very often by chemists, physical chemists, and thermodynamicists. The database software will be extremely useful to those who rely on accurate, updated reference data. The proposed software would save a significant amount of time and effort, in addition to providing much needed data for a great number of researchers in the United States and abroad. For the end-product, these facts translate to a high level of utility and a great commercial potential in the marketplace.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Electronics and Electrical Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.9.1 Josephson Voltage Standard

TITLE: A Low Cost Superconducting Frequency Counter Josephson Voltage Standard

ABSTRACT:

The principal factor preventing wide use of the Josephson primary voltage standard is its cost. By reducing the cost of a HYPRES voltage standard to a level comparable with the true cost of secondary standards (including the cost of calibration and low accuracy, etc.), and making it easy to use, we intend to put the Josephson voltage Standard within reach of most secondary standard users. In Phase 1, we intend to demonstrate that a low-cost (<$1000), reliable superconducting counter will substitute for the expensive ($22,350) room temperature 77 GHz frequency counter. In Phase 2, we intend to incorporate this, and as many other cost reducing ideas as appear feasible, in a closed-cycle refrigerator- based standard. The best way to assess the value of the cost savings attributable to use of a superconducting counter is that it should approximately pay for replacing the liquid helium dewar with a refrigerator, making the whole system much more acceptable to most potential users.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The voltage standard is already a commercial product produced by HYPRES, but the number of units sold has been very small. The purpose of this research is to lower cost and ultimately to make the standards into turn-key systems without the need to use liquid helium.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Electronics and Electrical Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.9.3 High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Shields for Cryogenic Current Comparator Systems

TITLE: High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Shields for Cryogenic Current Comparator Systems

ABSTRACT:

This project is designed to deposit coatings of the Thallium based high temperature superconducting (HTS) compound, T1-2-2-2-3, onto substrates with complex geometries, appropriate for use as magnetic shields in DC cryogenic current comparators (CCC's). In this first phase, MSI will coat MgO substrates with the length, diameter, and internal passages appropriate to magnetic shields for CCC designs presently being considered by NIST. The establishment of a suitable metallic substrate and the development of the processing procedures for applying HTS coatings to complex, thin walled shapes, based upon that substrate, for potential fabrication of even more complex shield geometries, will also be completed. Later phases will be aimed at demonstrating the production of magnetic shields on an appropriate metallic substrate and incorporation of those shields into a demonstration CCC for commercialization as an electrical resistance standard.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The proposed low frequency magnetic shield product would allow the extension of the low temperature superconducting shield technology presently used in CCC's from operation under liquid helium to liquid nitrogen. The reduction in cost would bring the use of the CCC as a high precision electrical resistance standard within the reach of most industrial laboratories.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Electronics and Electrical Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.9.4 Submicrometer Temperature Measurement

TITLE: Thermal Microprobe

ABSTRACT:

This project will complete the design and fabrication of a novel high-resolution thermal microprobe, and evaluate its potential for measuring the temperature of operating microelectronic components with a temperature resolution of 0.01 C and a spatial resolution of 10 nm. Fabrication is in two major steps: formation of a prototype AFM microprobe, and the addition of a thermocouple junction to the tip of the probe. The first stage has been completed in our subcontractor's lab (at NJIT), and the second stage has been started. This innovative technical approach includes a design for confining a low-mass thermocouple junction at the tip region only of the probe.

The main advantage of this innovative approach is that the microprobe will be able to serve the dual function of an AFM probe for surface imaging, and a thermal microprobe for probing the temperature of very small regions of the sample surface with high resolution. This project is expected to result in a device for measuring surface temperature, with temperature and spatial resolution unobtainable by other means.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Major commercial applications are in the semiconductor industry, with other applications in recording head, jet printer, and aerospace industries. The increased appearance of scanning probes as an analytical tool in various technology labs and industries, and the dual use of the proposed thermal microprobe as both a thermal probe and a "conventional" AFM probe, argue for its commercial appeal.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Electronics and Electrical Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.9.16 Series Array SQUIDS

TITLE: Development of Low-Cost Single-State SQUID Array Amplifiers for High-Resolution Particle and X-Ray Detectors

ABSTRACT:

HYPRES is developing a novel wide-bandwidth SQUID-based amplifier chip for cryogenic particle detectors. A novel approach for implementing a wide bandwidth and inexpensive SQUID readout scheme was recently proposed and demonstrated by Wilty and Martinis at NIST. The SQUID chip integrated in this system is based on a single analog SQUID coupled to an array of SQUIDs. HYPRES is presently producing and marketing this SQUID amplifier system with associated room temperature electronics, based on an amplifier chip fabricated at HYPRES. In Phase 1, we will design, fabricate, and evaluate the SQUID amplifier chips. In Phase 2, we procure the peripheral electronics and demonstrate a complete SQUID-based amplifier system. Also, HYPRES, throughout the entire program, will provide NIST with these single-stage SQUID array amplifier chips for evaluation and feedback.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The availability of such a low-cost SQUID amplifier would result in their use for nearly all high energy physics research experiments, high-resolution x-ray spectroscopy, imaging detectors, and particle identification systems. The first of these applications has a potentially large commercial market for EDS (electron diffusion spectroscopy) in electron microscopy systems for material surface characterization studies. The SQUID magnetometer system also has applications in medical fields as a biomagnetometer for the mapping of brain functions to identify the location of somatosensory, motor, auditory, etc. regions of the brain. Also, this system can be used in detection of corrosion and cracks in aircraft.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.1 Machine Tool Metrology Under Loaded Conditions

TITLE: A Dynamical Instrument for Machining Centers

ABSTRACT:

In the program, we will develop a measurement system based on the dynamics of the machining process. This system will use the variation in the forces or accelerations occurring during machining to characterize the mechanisms occurring between the cutter and workpiece. This will provide real time indications of the finish of the surface that is being created, the proximity to the chatter threshold, the presence of a worn, damaged, or loose tool, a loose workpiece, and the adequacy of the coolant flow.

Phase 1 will demonstrate concept feasibility through laboratory machining tests with instrumented workpieces. The testing will examine the effects of spindle and advance speed and depth of cut on surface finish and proximity of chatter. Phase 2 will further develop the instrument system, including installing the sensors in the spindle assembly, expanding the measurement capabilities, and achieving real-time measurement.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

If the proposed program is successful, it will result in an instrument system that would be suitable for use both in the near term with current manual and CNC machines, and also with the next generation of machining centers with comprehensive control of tolerances and surface finish. We believe that the instrument's promise to determine the surface finish and proximity to the chatter threshold in real time would be useful both in small scale machine shops and in production machining.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.2 Collaborative Manufacturing Training Modules

TITLE: Interactive, 3-D Mathematics Instructions

ABSTRACT:

The goal of this project is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of computer-based, multimedia instruction to facilitate the acquisition of difficult to learn mathematics principles.

The goal will be accomplished through the design and development of a multimedia interface that uses audio prompts, interaction graphics, and text displays to guide learners through problem solving activities. Instruction through problem-centered modeling will be the primary strategy used in the lesson modules. Audio and text will be used to prompt learners through logical thinking, problem analysis, and the entry of critical information. Interactive 3-D graphics will provide the learners with the opportunity to "construct" images of desired product output and see the corresponding mathematics.

The solving of each problem (lesson module) will provide opportunities to learn through 1) problem-centered modeling of correct behavior, 2) creation of a 3-D visual display and the corresponding mathematics, and 3) feedback provided to the learners as they work through each module. The proposed approach will create a product suitable for small group collaborative use, classroom use as an instructor's tool, or individualized instruction.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

We believe the products resulting from successful Phase 1 and 2 research would have commercial appeal on a national level.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.15 Logical Connectivity in NII for Manufacturing Applications

TITLE: Attaining Logical Connectivity Through Mediators

ABSTRACT:

With the objective of ultimately providing tools and technologies for facilitating logical connectivity for manufacturing applications in an NII environment, this proposal involves research in the areas of: agent-based mediators, shared ontologies, conversion libraries, scalability, and automated reading of information from paper and other traditional media.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

For enhancing the capability for seamless integration of manufacturing applications both on an intraorganizational and interorganizational basis; and for reducing the cost involved in accessing and disseminating manufacturing data in an NII environment.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.16 A Computer Support System for Engineering Design

TITLE: Computer Support System for Conceptual Design

ABSTRACT:

Every new engineering design task involves several stages, including conceptualization, synthesis, evaluation, embodiment, and detailed design followed by prototyping and redesign. Recognizing that new design ideas often arise by reusing and adapting prior design ideas through direct recall and analogy, we will undertake research aimed at developing representation and indexing schemes for large casebases of designs. Using synthesis algorithms, the system will help the designer examine design alternatives. Through cross-links to component catalogs, the system will also help the designer find appropriate products that can fulfill the required functions. The system will finally allow the user to order the products directly through the on-line catalogs.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

There are two aspects at hand: The benefit to the customer and the revenue model for the service provider. The user/customer will benefit from increased design quality. By providing a conceptual design tool that works by using a vast design case library, our proposed system will help design companies examine multiple alternatives in a timely fashion. This will lead to cost savings and improved design quality. It may be possible to charge design companies to use the service (provided via the Web). The revenues will come from the manufacturers who cross-index their catalogs with the case library. After a design engineer generates a design alternative, he/she will be able to access component catalogs to select parts and order them on-line. The companies who put their catalogs on-line and get orders could be made to pay on-time and per- transaction fees.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.21 Multi-agent Software for Cycle-time Reduction in Discrete Parts Manufacturing

TITLE: Autonomous Agents for Distributed Problem Solving, Planning and Control

ABSTRACT:

Intelligent Automation, Incorporated is developing a new innovative approach to concurrent product-process development. The resulting system will also allow integrated development of production planning and scheduling, including external supplier integration. Our approach is based on the paradigm of autonomous agents. The work herein proposed focuses on improvements and extensions to the "Intelligent Agent Infrastructure(IAI)" already partly developed by Intelligent Automation, Incorporated (IAI), and on development of standards to allow consistent creation, operation, and evaluation of these systems. Specific innovations proposed for the infrastructure include a "subscription book", to extend the concept of inheritance from objects to agents, and market driven computation resource allocation integrated with the other communication and interaction between agents.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

In addition to concurrent product/process design, IAI is also working to apply autonomous agent technology to factory planning and scheduling, and to strategic defense battle management. Beyond these applications, we are planning to commercialize the Intelligent Agent Infrastructure (IAI) which will be significantly refined and enhanced during the work herein proposed.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.2 Cold Neutron Focusing Techniques

TITLE: Cold Neutron Microprobe for Material Analysis Using Tapered Capillary Optics

ABSTRACT:

The project will research a new generation of optic for focusing cold neutrons using tapered capillary optics. The success of the program will result in neutron beam probes with unprecedented spatial resolution and detection limits for small sample volumes. The individuals involved are the world leaders in neutron focusing capillary optics, having achieved better than an order-of-magnitude improvement in lateral spatial resolution and neutron current density using an earlier type of capillary optic. With the proposed improved tapered capillary optic technology, we expect to obtain an additional 10x improvement in spatial resolution and improve upon previous neutron intensity gains.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The success of this program will produce neutron beam probes which can greatly enhance neutron absorption measurements for materials research. These probes will have many commercial applications including mapping dopants in semiconductor devices and measuring hydrogen in titanium, which leads to jet turbine blade failures. The significant gain in neutron current density achievable may also make it possible to conduct neutron absorption measurements using nonreactor-based neutron sources.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.3 Autofratage Composite Design of 200 Bar Pressure Vessel for Ultra High Purity Gas Storage and Atmospheric Sampling

TITLE: Autofratage Composite Design

ABSTRACT:

This project will address the design and manufacture of a composite overwrapped tank with a thin metal liner, compatible with the requirements for containment of ultra-high purity gases. The complete tank design will be subjected to a Finite Element Analysis to provide a tank which will operate safely within the prescribed pressure limits of 200 bar (3000 psi) working pressure and 600 bar (9000 psi) proof pressure. The liner portion of the program will be to design a liner than can be manufactured with the fewest possible areas for entrapment of contaminants, with primary consideration being given to optimizing the approach used to manufacture the Demaray tank liner. Composite winding and curing parameters and liner pressurization procedure will be developed to provide the desired results from the autofratage process. Process methods will be developed and documented in manufacturing process plans. A study will be performed to identify candidate materials for the filament wound overwrap and the high impact outer cover for the overwrapped tank. Provisions for stacking and handling will be considered during outer cover design, with the target of integrating the cover and handling/stacking features.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Rugged, lightweight, high pressure vessels for storage/transportation of ultra high purity and/or highly reactive gases for use in computer chip manufacturing, medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.4 Tunable Seed Laser for an Optical Parametric Oscillator

TITLE: Single-Frequency Tunable IR Laser Development

ABSTRACT:

There are no single-requency laser devices yet available that continuously cover the 1400 nm to 1700 nm wavelength range. If such a device was developed, it could be used for several applications in telecommunications, LIDAR, and spectroscopy. One of these applications could be OPO seeding. To address this need, we propose to develop and demonstrate a tunable, single-frequency, solid-state laser capable of being directly diode-laser-pumped to generate output powers up to 100 mW in the 1300 nm to 1750 nm region. This project will address the issues of tunability, spectral purity, lowering pump threshold, and optimized conversion efficiency. A robust unidirectional ring resonator design using birefringent filter tuning will be optimized for the laser material and wavelength region. The optical pumping aspect of the design will be optimized for 1 W diode- laser pumping, but could be scaled to multi-Watt pump power levels.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The proposed tunable, single-frequency laser technology has significant potential in the telecommunications industry, especially in wavelength division multiplexed systems. Additionally, given its broad near-IR tuning range, this device may be used in LIDAR systems as both a local oscillator and a seed source for pulsed LIDAR transmitters, including optical parametric oscillators.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.13 Fiber Optic Probes for Raman Spectral Measurements in Hydrothermal Reactors and in Steam Generation Boilers

TITLE: A High Temperature Fiber Optic Raman Probe for Corrosion and Process Monitoring

ABSTRACT:

The ability to monitor the progress of chemical reactions and to detect the presence of corrosive constituents is a challenge in the emerging field of hydrothermal oxidation (HTO) reactors. Likewise, there is also a need to monitor crevice corrosion in commercial steam-generation boilers because corrosion undermines the integrity of steam generators and therefore impacts the operating cost and reliability of a nuclear power plant. In this project, we propose to develop a fiber optic Raman probe that can be used for in situ monitoring of HTO reactors and steam generators. The technical objectives of the Phase 1 program are to identify the optical components needed for a high temperature Raman probe capable of surviving the harsh reactor conditions; propose a Raman probe design with optimum collection efficiency, good silica Raman background rejection, and small enough to fit into the small opening of a pressure vessel; and to investigate window coating materials that will survive the hostile environment of a reactor. The results of Phase 1 will serve as a foundation for a Phase 2 program with the objective of the construction of a functioning Raman probe and instrument.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

It is expected that the high temperature fiber optic Raman probe and instrument that will be developed in this program will have commercial applications in corrosion crevice-monitoring of commercial steam generators and in process and diagnostic monitoring of hydrothermal oxidation reactors.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.2 Compact Spectrometer for Infrared Radiation with a Minimum Number of Moving Parts

TITLE: Compact Stationary Spectrometer for Wide Spectral Range Applications

ABSTRACT:

The development of a Fourier transform spectrometer with a minimum number of moving parts (or more ideally no moving parts - the so- called stationary spectrometer) has been the subject of considerable research and development. Recent work on a birefringence based system has resulted in the introduction of a commercial version of the system. While a significant step toward the goal of a practical stationary spectrometer, the device still has limited spectral coverage and remains very expensive (from $13,000/unit to $30,000/unit, depending on the spectral coverage). Under the Phase 1 program, OPTRA will demonstrate an all-reflective stationary Fourier transform spectrometer, based on the use of Fresnel mirrors and linear detector arrays. The system will be inherently broadband, being limited only by the detector spectral response. Moderate sized arrays (256 elements) will provide spectral resolution of better than 2%. The proposed program also emphasizes the development of both performance models and cost models to assure reasonable prospects for commercialization.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The spectrometer that will result from this investigation will be suitable for applications where ruggedness and low cost are important. The spectroscopic performance of this instrument will be consistent with the requirements of process control and ambient air monitoring applications.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.6 X-/g-ray Tomographic Technologies for Non- Invasive Radionuclide Metrology

TITLE: High Resolution Semiconductor Gamma Ray Detectors for Radionuclide Metrology

ABSTRACT:

Quantitative, non-invasive X and gamma ray 3-D tomographic assessment of large, irregularly shaped, heterogeneous bodies is essential for efficient progress of environmental waste management. Currently, thousands of sealed containers with low-level radioactive waste are in storage. The material must be identified and quantified as a preliminary step to processing or storing the material. Current technology measures only the average distribution of radioactivity within a body. Emission Computer Tomography (ECT) can in principal be used to provide a 3-D assessment of the distribution of radioactivity, but each detector technology currently available has shortcomings. Several wide bandgap compounds semiconductor materials offer the potential for addressing these shortcomings, but their performance is limited by poor transport of the holes. The project will address this need by fabricating a detector which uses a true Frisch grid, embedded inside the semiconductor device, to produce a signal due to electron transport alone. This structure offers the potential for much higher energy resolution with conventional electronics than any techniques currently used with compound semiconductor detectors.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

A gamma ray spectrometer with high energy resolution and high detection efficiency in a very portable, rugged package would find widespread use throughout the nuclear industry. Such applications include radioactive waste monitoring and cleanup, the verification of nuclear disarmament treaties, and routine operations at nuclear power plants.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.13 Low-Cost High-performance Parallel Computer

TITLE: A Cost-effective, COTS-based and Standards-based, Scalable Message-Passing Multicomputer

ABSTRACT:

In the Phase 1 effort, in order to build a cost-effective multicomputer, we will refine our proposed system-level design, specify the appropriate combination components which meet the desired goals, procure and assemble the hardware components and operating system, install the other systems software with which to perform parallel programming, and demonstrate the multicomputer. The key concept behind our proposal idea is the utilization of only commodity components - no custom hardware or systems software will be created. This concept is beneficial because it yields modularity and flexibility in the system-level design, and creates an evolutionary path of upgrades and increased capability with respect to the implementation. Because the result of SBIR research and development will be an affordable, high-performance multicomputer, many more users than before will be able to acquire a dedicated machine to solve their problems.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Powerful multicomputers have long been utilized to solve important, computationally intensive problems. However, such powerful multicomputers are too expensive for most users to afford a dedicated machine. A cost-effective multicomputer will benefit a wide variety of industries: transportation, manufacturing, banking, finance, engineering, telecommunications, logistics and planning, database storage and retrieval, to name a few. The impediment to these industries widely utilizing multicomputers is not the lack of applications, but the lack of being able to afford a dedicated machine.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.20 Fully Encoded Rotary Turn Tables for X-ray Deffractometer and X-ray Powder Instruments

TITLE: High Accuracy Rotation Stage for X-Ray Diffractometry

ABSTRACT:

A critical component to the overall performance of the diffractometer is the rotary positioning system. Accurate positioning of the source and detector with respect to the specimen and minimization of the "sphere error" is essential for characterization of multilayers and new X-ray powder standard reference materials. OPTRA will develop a new rotary stage that directly monitors the rotation of the platen, thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the rotary drive train. The metrology approach is to utilize a novel sensor design to provide accurate and well resolved rotational measurements of a relatively coarse scale, located on the periphery of the rotating table. The approach is robust, accurate, relatively simple, inexpensive, and has substantial commercial potential.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

A substantial portion of the positioning system market is in rotary applications. OPTRA believes that the requirements of this particular SBIR topic are representative of emerging market needs, and that we can provide a cost effective solution to high accuracy rotary positioning applications. The developed stage will have applicability to X-ray diffractometry applications as well as ultra- precision machining, photolithography, and the diskdrive industry.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.1 Dynamic Modulus Properties of Thermoplastics at High Pressure

TITLE: A Dynamic Bulk Modulus/PVT Apparatus for Characterization of Polymers

ABSTRACT:

Currently, advanced tools for modeling injection molding of thermoplastics and predicting formed part dimensional stability and residual stress content use the static bulk modulus of the polymer at the temperatures and pressures associated with the molding process. The short cycle times associated with injection molding, however, could be more accurately modeled if dynamic bulk modulus data were available. In addition, these data are critical for modeling of fracture and crack propagation in polymers, which forms the basis of strength and fracture analyses. Unfortunately, commercial equipment is not available for measuring dynamic bulk moduli. Therefore, development and design of a Dynamic Bulk Modulus/Pressure-Volume- Temperature (PVT) Apparatus will be addressed. The device would be used to measure the dynamic bulk modulus of polymers over a frequency range of 0.1-5000 Hz at pressures of 0-200 Mpa, and temperatures of 25-315·C, as well as perform PVT measurements over the same temperature and pressure range. The apparatus will employ Terfenol- D, an advanced magnetostrictive material as the actuator used to oscillate the volume of a pressure vessel containing the sample and containment fluid. We anticipate a volumetric accuracy of 0.002 cm3/gm.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Polymer science and materials research; improved injection molding predictions for automotive and appliance manufacturing; improved characterization of properties for use in finite element modeling of viscoelastic shock and sound isolator for automotive and military hardware.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.3 Thermal Barrier Coating Durability in Gas Turbines

TITLE: Physics Based Life Prediction of Thermal Barrier Coatings in Gas Turbines

ABSTRACT:

Innovative methods, based on thermodynamics theory, will be developed to establish a unified approach in quantifying the damage state of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) under high temperature service conditions. After surveying existing material damage models, a mechanistic model which describes rate- and temperature-dependent deformation behavior of TBC with material damage will be proposed. Specifically, effects of creep (or viscoelasticity) and time- dependent changes in various contributing factors, such as stress relaxation, due to microcrack growth, and oxidation at the bond coat/top coat interface, on the overall stress-strain behavior of TBC, will be considered. Two dominant damage parameters, one associated with the microcrack initiation and propagation and the other with formation and growth of oxide, will be employed in the damage constitutive anisotropic elastic/creep law. Numerical algorithms associated with the proposed life prediction model will then be developed. Finally, the proposed TBC life prediction model will be validated against existing experimental results.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The proposed research will establish a unified life prediction methodology for TBC coated components, thereby, eliminating the purely empirical life prediction techniques funded by previous NASA research programs. In addition, the methodology can be used to tailor the material properties of the TBC materials, so that more thermal resistant TBC processes can be developed more quickly.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.9 Optical Lever for Sensing Vibrations of Small Specimens

TITLE: Simple Optical Vibration Sensor for Small Objects

ABSTRACT:

A very simple and low-cost optical sensor for measuring vibrations of mechanically supported thin films and other small objects will be developed. Such measurements are useful in characterizing elastic materials properties. The sensor is based upon the so-called self- mixing effect in lasers, which enables the assembly of velocimeters containing nothing more than a diode laser, a lens, and a signal processor. The sensor combines high sensitivity and a very low parts count with a PC-based signal processor, to produce an instrument capable of measuring vibrations of specimens as small as tens of micrometers. It can easily be fitted to a microscope for real-time specimen observation during testing. A prototype velocity sensor has been assembled and tested using equipment purchased for less than $500. During Phase 1, we propose to extend the demonstrated linear velocity sensing capability to sensing of vibrations of small objects, and to carry out a baseline design of a low-cost signal processor/display prototype. During Phase 2, we will finalize the hardware design and develop a complete instrument for thin-film measurement and display. The end result of the proposed work is a highly capable sensor suitable for commercialization.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Compact, rugged, reliable, and low-cost vibration sensors are expected to find uses in fault detection, vibration mode surveys, and wear monitoring/detection of shafts, gears, and bearings. The proposed sensor is expected to find uses in many areas where measurements are limited due to a high instrumentation acquisition cost at present.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.12 Techniques for Determining Solderability of Printed Wiring Boards

TITLE: Quantitative Techniques for Surface Characterization and Solderability Assessments of OSP - Coated Printed Wiring Board

ABSTRACT:

Objectives of this project include the development of electrochemical techniques for measurement of (i) thickness of OSP coatings, (ii) amount and type of copper oxides within and under the OSP coating, (iii) protective effectiveness of OSP coatings, and (iv) solderability prediction of OSP-coated PWBs. We will evaluate the effect of major parameters of the coating, storage, and soldering process on solderability of OSP-coated PWBs. In order to improve the interpretation of SERA signals, we will develop standardization procedures and prepare a set of calibration standards.

The results will provide a foundation for (i) optimization and control of existing OSPs and their application processes, (ii) development of new processes, and (iii) cost savings in electronics due to solderability losses.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The evaluation will result in the following commercial applications: (i) instrumentation and methodology for production control and defect detection of OSP-coated boards, (ii) research tool for optimization of existing OSPs and development of new OSP processes; (iii) standards used for calibration of SERA-based instruments.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.18 Development of Non-Intrusive Advanced Optical Diagnostic and Measurement Systems

TITLE: Development of Advanced Optical Diagnostic and Measurement Systems for Metals Processing Research

ABSTRACT:

Stratonics will develop a suite of non-intrusive advanced optical diagnostics and measurement systems for advanced metal processing technologies; such as atomization, spray forming, and coating. Advanced manufacturing processes are under development in industry, national laboratories, and universities to provide super alloys, aluminum, and composites in the form of billet, sheet, and plate. This development is internationally based with the automotive industry in the United States, Japan, and Europe. Sensors suites include laser holography, high speed cameras, thermal pyrometers/imagers, and particle analysis systems with spatial and temporal response, dynamic range, accuracy, and signal to noise ratios, which will meet the requirements for development of advanced metal processing technologies. Advanced optical diagnostics and measurement systems are needed to support the development of state of the art metal processing techniques, which can be industrialized at low cost. Transition to industry will be predicted upon improvements in the process efficiency affected by process monitoring and the development of rugged and low cost sensors. This effort will describe how advanced optical diagnostic and measurement systems will be constructed and optimized to support the development of advanced metal processing technologies at NIST, and transitioned to process control monitors in advanced metal processing industries.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The development of advanced optical diagnostic and measurement systems has a wide variety of commercial applications in the fields of metals processing and thermal spray deposition. Application areas include gas turbine engines, automotive applications, other industrial applications, and medical uses. Thermal coatings have extensive applications in the automotive industry.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Building and Fire Research

SUBTOPIC: 8.14.9 Advanced Non-halogenated Flame Retardant Additives

TITLE: Environmental Benign Ion Beam-Based Flame Retardant Treatment

ABSTRACT:

A fire fighter's ability to effectively combat fire is strongly dependant on the degree to which his clothing limits exposure to heat and flame. Available heat- and flame-retardant garments significantly increase exposure, but use environmentally hazardous additives; additionally, further enhancements in flame-retardation are desired. Recent research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and elsewhere has demonstrated that ion beam treatment of polymers produces a heavily-cross-linked surface layer. Treated surfaces are extremely resistant to chemical attack and form an impermeable barrier to evolution of volatile chemical groups from the material. Additionally, recent developments in ion-beam-based coating technology now permit adherent metal coatings on fabrics. The synergistic effects of ion bombardment and a metallic coating, which can be performed simultaneously in the same treatment system, would provide enhanced heat- and flame-retardant garments for fire fighters. The metallic coating would reflect thermal energy, keeping the fabric cooler, and the ion beam bombardment would prevent evolution of volatile chemical moieties that contribute to the combustion process. These treatments can be performed at low cost, do not produce environmentally hazardous effluents, and do not add weight or affect garment functionality, flexibility, or durability. The proposed research would establish effectiveness of the surface treatments in tests of flame retardation.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

This technology has tremendous potential for providing fabrics with enhanced heat and flame resistance. This would significantly extend a fire fighter's exposure time and increase fire-fighting efficiency for both military and civilian fire fighters. Similarly, numerous other commercial opportunities exist, for instance in children's pajamas or bedding.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Building and Fire Research

SUBTOPIC: 8.14.10 Rapid Scanning Near-Infrared/Infrared Spectrometer

TITLE: Rapid Scanning Near-Infrared/Infrared Spectrometer

ABSTRACT:

This project involves a feasibility study for a rapid scanning near- infrared/infrared spectrometer for transient, simultaneous measurements of CO2 and H2O concentrations, soot volume fractions and temperatures. Such measurements can lead to improved understanding of the structure of turbulent and laminar flames. A commercial instrument that can reliably provide simultaneous gas concentration, soot volume fraction and temperature measurements is not available.

The Phase 2 work will involve use of an infrared focal plane array detector along with a dispersion grating to obtain time resolved measurements of spectral radiation intensity (9 nm resolution) from 2295 nm to 4585 nm. A thermoelectric cooled lead selenide array detector will be used for the measurements. The radiation intensity measurements will be used in conjunction with an interactive algorithm to obtain the transient gas species concentrations, soot volume fractions and temperatures within a flame. The Phase 1 work will focus on evaluating the technical feasibility of obtaining such information using the proposed near infrared/infrared spectrometer.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Continuous monitoring of the gas species concentrations, soot volume fraction and temperature are useful in all industries that utilize combustion for process control and reducing pollutant emissions. The potential market includes such diverse industries as fire protection engineering and research, waste processing, power plants, powder metal processing and chemicals manufacturing.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Building and Fire Research

SUBTOPIC: 8.14.11 Advanced Detection and Monitoring of Fires

TITLE: A Diode Laser Multigas Analyzer for Advanced Detection of Fires

ABSTRACT:

Southwest Sciences will develop a novel fire detection technology based on optical spectroscopy, using diode lasers and fiber optics. Rapid, quantitative detection of part per million concentrations (or better) of multiple gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, and others, is possible. The gases are quantified separately, and a fiber optical distribution network permits one laser to be used for at least 800 different measurement locations up to a mile from the laser. This approach provides information on the type and location of the fire, while the simultaneous measurement of multiple gases greatly reduces the chances of false alarms. The instrument is self-calibrating and self-checking to reduce long term maintenance costs. The technology uses miniature, solid-state diode lasers originally developed for the communications industry. These lasers are rugged, reliable, require little power, and the use of fiber optics guarantees eye safety. The Phase 1 effort will test three multiplexing schemes for simultaneous (or near-simultaneous) measurements of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The technology can be used for early fire detection and for indoor air quality monitoring in potentially high loss buildings: large office buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, and indoor public areas.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.15 Computer Systems

SUBTOPIC: 8.15.2 Software Tools for Static Analysis of Pointer

TITLE: Software Tools for Static Analysis of Pointer Usage

ABSTRACT:

Mistakes made by programmers in the use of pointer variables and dynamic memory allocation is a significant source of software errors. The development of a suite of tools to aid in the detection of these errors is addressed. These tools will operate both statically and dynamically in order to provide as wide a range of services as possible. The static tool will guarantee that certain pointer based programming errors are not present in the target programs. The dynamic tool will be used to monitor the execution of a program, aiding developers by making the more elusive errors, easier to find.

The set of tools depends upon identifying pointer based programming anomalies and unsafe practices. A set of algorithms that discover these anomalies will be developed. We will devise a set of metrics that will enable programmers to quantify their certainty that the analyzed code is error free. A list of other services that program developers may find useful will be compiled. These steps will culminate in the development of a set of tools enabling programmers to utilize pointer variables and dynamic memory allocation, with quantifiable certainty that the analyzed code is free of some common programming errors.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The software tools will be commercialized by CFDRC for use in assuring that certain types of pointer based programming errors do not exist in the analyzed programs. Two modes of commercialization are feasible. The first is to incorporate all the tools into a quality assurance environment and market it as a package, where the intended clients are the software developers themselves. The second option will be to market the individual tools or libraries to compiler vendors or other system developers, who wish to make such an environment available to their customers.

FY1996 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.15 Computer Systems

SUBTOPIC: 8.15.6 Computer System Security Vulnerability Identification

TITLE: A Digital Library of Computer-System Security Vulnerabilities

ABSTRACT:

A study will determine the feasibility of using a digital-library system for computer-system vulnerability information. The system model will draw upon advances being made in multi-agency NII digital library research projects, library science techniques being developed for digital media, and standardized WWW technologies. Technical objectives include determining how best to: 1) catalog and classify vulnerability data for ease and accuracy of browsing, searching, identification, and access, 2) design the accessioning and curation process to ensure scalability and durability of the library, and 3) canvass vendors and other stakeholders to determine what security measures would be necessary to permit vendors and other stakeholders to contribute sensitive information. Areas of investigation will include selection of vulnerability taxonomies, and tools and methodologies for: managing catalog records, extracting indexes from catalog records, managing workflow, maintaining authority records for classification schemes (taxonomies), information browsing, and information finding agents which can search through catalogs entries, indexes, abstracts, and documents. Compliance with library science reference models and catalog standards will be emphasized, as well as GILS compliance to support linkages with other federal information services. Alternatives will be analyzed for reliability, cost- effectiveness and ease of use and operation.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

It is anticipated that the system will have sufficient robustness and generality to provide information about computer system vulnerability needs for the DoC and the computer industry at large. The cost savings and ease of use resulting from familiar library paradigms will, we believe, ensure successful commercialization.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences

SUBTOPIC: 8.1.2 Real-time or Near Real-time Tsunami Runup Gauge

TITLE: Real-time or Near Real-time Tsunami Runup Gauge

ABSTRACT:

This project involves the research, development, and construction of Real-time Tsunami Runup Gauge telemetry systems using hydrostatic pressure sensors. Currently no real-time instrumentally measured inundation data is available to tsunami warning centers. An array of intelligent gauges, situated in an inundation zone and sending runup information to a warning center, would be an attractive alternative to the existing water level instrumentation. Information on runup following a tsunamigenic event, would be vital to a warning center's decision regarding actions to be taken following initial message issuance. A conceptual design of such completely autonomous remote gauge stations has been proven feasible in Phase 1. The system consists mainly of commercially available, U.S. made components and software for the remote gauge and central data collection and command stations; evaluation of and providing protection from the environmental hazards: hurricanes, lightning, temperature/humidity variations; vandal-proofing the remote installations. A special emphasis will be placed on such features as low cost, ease of installation, low maintenance costs. Two fully functional pre- production prototype systems will be constructed and installed: first in the continental U.S., second, culminating the project in Hawaii.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

In its main application, the system will provide information for the tsunami warning center vital for the decision on actions following a tsunamigenic event. It will also be useful for the measurement of seiches, storm surges, flood water levels, and routine level measurement in reservoirs.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.2 Ocean Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.2.1 Operational Ocean Instrumentation and Measurement Systems

TITLE: Small Absolute Gravimeter

ABSTRACT:

The project goal is to develop and build a new small Micro-g Absolute Gravimeter (MAG) prototype for use in rugged field environments. The new MAG will be easy to deploy and use by one operator in hostile field conditions. It will also reduce the data collection time from what is now a few days to less than a half hour per site.

MAG will find application in hostile environments such as on the ice- sheets of Antarctica or in the heat and humidity of tropical environments. The new gravimeter can be deployed from a jeep for road-side operation or from a helicopter for very remote sites. The new small sensor size will allow its use in many new applications such as airborne, shipborne, and ocean bottom gravity collection.

The accuracy of the measurement should be better than 1X10-7 m/s2 (10uGal) in about 10 minutes of operation in a normal field site. The height of the MAG sensor will be about 60cm and will be light enough for one person to deploy the sensor in about 15 minutes.

The final goal of this project is to build a working prototyped instrument for field testing. The new MAG sensor will provide access to accurate absolute gravity data that can be collected quickly even in rugged field conditions. MAG will be used for obtaining geodetic reference points, earth-quake and global warming studies, and oil exploration.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Oil/gas exploration, geothermal research, water table monitoring, crustal motions.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.2 Ocean Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.2.3 Free Drop Buoy for Optical and Physical Properties

TITLE: A Multi-Trip, Free Drop Buoy for the Measurement of Shallow Physical/Optical Properties

ABSTRACT:

Phase 1 research resulted in a successful feasibility study, specification and initial component development and testing of a new Lagrangian sensor platform/transport meter vehicle for the study of phenomena associated with coastal processes. The self-reported vehicle is capable of multiple, autonomous profiling trips from 400m, and can be deployed manually from small boats without special handling equipment. In Phase 2 a final development and construction of two complete vehicles will be completed. It also involves the planning, execution, and results dissemination of a coastal science field experiment involving the two vehicles. Return of useful science data is considered critical for gaining wider scale acceptance of the vehicle after Phase 2. The new vehicle's economical, fast Lagrangian measurements of properties and transport will allow study and modeling of coastal processes, not able to be made easily or at all with moored or wire-lowered measurements.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Webb Research Corporation expects significant Phase 3 commercial demand for the vehicle from individual researchers, larger research and commercial survey and monitoring groups, and, likely, even defense applications as part of an increasing world-wide emphasis on near-shore processes.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources

SUBTOPIC: 8.3.1 Aquaculture - Water Reuse and Effluent Treatment Systems

TITLE: An Expert System for Aquaculture Environment Control

ABSTRACT:

The Phase 2 goal is to produce the first commercial, autonomous denitrification filter, using extant biotechnology (i.e., biological reactors and artificial intelligence).

During Phase 1, a fuzzy logic based expert system was designed for closed loop control of a denitrification bioreactor and tested off- line on data obtained from the University of Texas Marine Biomedical Institute. Results of Phase 1 have proven the feasibility of removing nitrate naturally from sea water by controlled usage of anaerobic bacteria, thus avoiding costly water exchanges.

Phase 2 work will include detailed analyses and evaluation of data in a closed loop system focusing on: (1) definition and quantification of the biological and physical relationships affecting denitrification; (2) implementation and refinement of a fuzzy controller for biological denitrification; (3) design and fabrication of a controller card for implementing an autonomous control system; (4) evaluation of alternative bioreactor column designs; (5) the integration of the control software, controller card, and bioreactor into a commercial product, and subsequent evaluation at a commercial operation; and (6) documentation of results.

COMMERICAL APPLICATIONS:

This research will have direct application to private and commercial aquaculture operations, commercial and private aquariums and home aquariums. In addition, it should impact the water treatment and purification, intensive agricultural greenhouse, and munitions industries. A further extension would be to public and private swimming pool maintenance to cut down on the chlorine usage, as mandated by the EPA.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources

SUBTOPIC: 8.3.2 Aquaculture - Broodstock Development

TITLE: Development of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Penaeus monodon Broodstock for High Health and High Performance

ABSTRACT:

Shrimp farming is one of the world's most valuable aquaculture sectors, with 1995 production of 712,000 MT and crop value of $4 billion. The industry depends completely on wild animals, with its seedstock either gathered directly from the sea or produced in hatcheries from wild-caught broodstock. Recently, the industry has experienced severe disease problems, which are in part due to its reliance on wild animals known to carry a variety of pathogens. To reduce these disease problems and stabilize the industry, this project will develop a stock of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) P. monodon. Comprising 57% of world production, the black tiger shrimp, P. monodon, is the most important (in volume and value) farm-raised shrimp worldwide. The same approach used in developing SPF P. Vannamei (ICES guidelines) is being followed in this project. In Phase 1, the world's first fully dedicated SPF shrimp facility was developed and successfully test-operated. A population of candidate SPF P. monodon were imported from Australia and are undergoing pathogen screening in quarantine. In Phase 2, our technical objectives include: to complete the establishment of SPF P. monodon; to conduct commercial production trials with the SPF stock; to initiate selective breeding for high health and high performance.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Over 500,000 P. monodon broodstock are used yearly in Asia. With Hawaii's environmental quality, year-round growing conditions, and international airfreight services, HHA is ideally situated to export SPF P. menadione broodstock to Southeast Asia. Following establishment of SPF P. Menadione, full commercialization will include development of an SPF Breeding Center where selective breeding for high health and high performance will be undertaken.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources

SUBTOPIC: 8.3.6 Reducing or Eliminating Bycatch from Net Fisheries

TITLE: Automated Broadband Identification of Bottom Fish

ABSTRACT:

Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc. (SciFish) will continue the development of an automated broadband fish identification system that will be a significant bycatch reduction tool for commercial fishers, and a cost-effective resource assessment tool for fisheries managers. In Phase 1, a prototype broadband system demonstrated between 68% and 88% correct species classification between halibut, rockfish, and the bottom. The primary objective of Phase 2 will be to characterize the classification performance of this fish identification approach using seventeen species of bottomfish. In addition, dead zone processing, improved classification accuracy, and sensitivity analysis will be explored. At the conclusion of Phase 2, SciFish will produce a report that will include a complete characterization of the classification accuracy and sensitivity. In addition, the final report will include a thorough production prototype specification. These Phase 2 results and specifications will be embedded into a business plan that will, in turn, be used to secure investors for Phase 3 production.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The fish identification system will be developed into a product during Phase 3. The market for this system is commercial fishers, fisheries managers, recreational fishers, and charter (party) boasts. Based upon SciFish projections from market analysis and competitive analysis, the proposed fish identification product can yield a cumulative profit of nearly $3M on over $9 M in total sales by the year 2000.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.6 Data and Information Systems

SUBTOPIC: 8.6.3 Innovative Interactive Multimedia CD

TITLE: Reports to the Nation: A Global Change Multimedia CD ROM

ABSTRACT:

InterNetwork, Inc. (INI) will develop, design, and produce a computer-generated, multimedia title to be published as a CD-ROM. The contents will be based on the first three issues of Reports to the Nation. The commercial title will be based on the prototype created in Phase 1, and further develop the software programming for a unique Graphical User Interface, which will transform the original print documents into a compelling interactive multimedia product suitable for consumer and education markets.

The title will combine, where appropriate, animation, sound, music, still photographs, and video. INI will design and develop all the elements, information navigation, and graphic identity for the title including: (1) flowcharts, linkages of modules, (2) digital graphic elements, (3) screen design and navigation icons, (4) all appropriate animations, (5) all programming scripts, (6) incorporate sound files, (7) create graphic elements, illustrations, and charts, (8) all quality assurance procedures (QA), including alpha and beta testing and Golden Master production.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Educational and consumer multimedia CD ROM titles.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Quality Assurance

SUBTOPIC: 8.7.3 Quality Management Self-Assessment Software

TITLE: A Total Quality Self-Assessment Toolkit

ABSTRACT:

The principal objective of this project is to develop a personal computer-based software package that enables organizations to conduct self-assessments based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria. In Phase 1, TII has designed and implemented a prototype self-assessment software package (KASH) in a Windows environment on a 486 microprocessor. The software package was tested in-house, using the Great Northern Case Study. Estimates of technical feasibility were based on evaluation of usability, ease of use and user-friendliness, thoroughness in presenting the Award Criteria, and utility of the software package in different applications. An initial prototype of KASH was completed to an extent appropriate for beta testing by the industry, including manufacturing firms, service companies, and small business concerns. In Phase 2, the beta-testing will take place at various test sites to identify user preferences and potential refinements. Based on the outcome of the tests, the prototype will be upgraded and updated for the 1996 Award Criteria. Also, a network version will be developed, tested, and prototyped to allow participation of multiple users in the self-assessment process at the same time, and to improve interactivity among company officials and employees towards meeting the total quality management goals.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Business, industry, government, and other organizations can use the PC-based software package for self-assessment of total quality improvement efforts to plan strategies by which businesses/organizations deliver greater customer value, while improving productivity/asset allocation.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Technology Services

SUBTOPIC: 8.9.2 Separating or Modifying Oxidizable Materials

TITLE: Development of Ultrahigh-Pressure Cryogenic Jet Cutting and Cleaning Technology

ABSTRACT:

The Phase 1 work demonstrated that high-pressure coherent jets of cryogenic liquid nitrogen can be produced and controlled. The cutting power of both pure cryogenic jets (CJs) and abrasive- cryogenic jets (ACJs) was demonstrated to be comparable to that of waterjets and abrasive-waterjets at pressures up to 120 MPA. However, no process optimization was carried out in Phase 1. The Phase 2 program will expand the range of potential applications for CJ/ACJ technology through two major technical innovations. These include the development of a higher pressure cryogenic pump and abrasive particles that disappear after cutting or cleaning. Jet pressures of 270 to 380 MPa are the objective of the former task, while the generation of dense, hard vaporizing or subliming particles is the goal of the latter. In parallel, optimization of the 120 MPa CJ process developed in Phase 1 will be carried out for specific applications identified in concurrent market studies, thus enabling rapid commercialization. Equipment and processes developed in these three tasks will be integrated in an advanced system prototype to be demonstrated near the end of Phase 2.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Phase 1 technology may be applied in industries where soft materials must be cut with no liquid waste or workpiece wetting. These include food products, paper products, and electronic components such as printed circuit board substrates. Cleaning and stripping applications are also commercialization opportunities. Paint and coating removal are possible examples. Other markets may include size reduction of hazardous or energetic materials and precision cleaning of semiconductor and optical substrates. Cutting of hard materials will be enabled by the Phase 2 work, thus expanding the range of applications.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Electronics and Electrical Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.10.10 Transfer of System Temperature from Indoors to Outdoors

TITLE: Prediction of Equivalent System Temperature: A Computer Methodology

ABSTRACT:

There is a global trend towards utilization of satellite communications for information and telecommunication services. Because of the coupling of variable noise sources through the antenna, prediction of a receiving systems noise performance, or equivalent system temperature, in the operating environment is a difficult problem; existing methods are inadequate to address the dependence on the ambient temperature, multiple noise sources, the propagation environment, and the celestial background. An opportunity exists to apply basic noise theory and advanced phenomenology modeling to the prediction of equivalent system temperature. An innovative methodology suitable for computer implementation will be developed, that provides a capability to predict the operating performance statistically, based upon indoor measurements. The objective of Phase 2 is to implement and demonstrate the methodology on a computer and provide the basis for Phase 3 commercialization. The top level technical approach is to implement a computer methods model library, referred to as COMET, as the scientific foundation for the methodology, then implement the methodology procedures in a Receiving System Analysis Tool (RSAT) software application, which provides the user interface and engineering workflow control. A proven evolutionary software development approach will be applied to mitigate development risks, augmented by a quality assurance management approach.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The methodology could be used in a host of government and private sector planning and analysis applications, including Wireless Communications Systems, Navigation, and SATCOM, as well as ?Spin off' technologies (e.g., distributed network simulations). Due to the high interest of our Phase 3 partner, rapid commercialization of products based on this technology is extremely likely.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.10 Selective Non-linear Processing for Real- time Machine Vision

TITLE: Real Time Image Vector Processing: RTIVP

ABSTRACT:

The project develop hardware for image processing, image understanding, and machine vision, that will achieve significant performance increases over current systems by implementing a set of operations required to support a specific set of algorithms. These algorithms are intended to process and analyze multiple vectors of partial derivative images or "Jet bundles" in parallel. These provide a framework for describing the local structure of objects in images at a point.

The goal of Phase 2 is to construct a prototype Real Time Image Vector Processor (RTIVP) which will process up to 225 partial derivative images produced by another processor, the GNOSSP. Currently under construction, GNOSSP functions as the first stage for the RTIVP. The RTIVP analyzes these jet bundles using vector projection techniques. It will perform these algorithms at real-time video frame rates with a 640 x 480 image format. It will make use of commercially available programmable gate array integrated circuits. In its final implementation, it will achieve orders of magnitude performance increases over currently available systems. The GNOSSP and RTIVP together will process data at over 21 gig-operations per second.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Robotics: vision systems; Medical images: mammography, pap smears, chest x-rays; Security: face recognition, fingerprint identification; Automated inspection: object recognition, object verification; Office automation: OCR, forms recognition, Computer vision research; Military: Automated target tracking.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Manufacturing Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.11.4 Virtual Coordinate Measuring Machine

TITLE: A Virtual Coordinate Measurement Machine (VCMM)

FIRM:

ABSTRACT:

Te purpose of the virtual coordinate measurement machine (VCMM) is to allow manufacturers the benefit of testing proposed CMM inspection procedures through computer simulation, before involving costly capital equipment and labor.

A Virtual Measuring Device Module (kinematic model of the CMM structure), a Dimensional Analysis (mathematical fitting algorithms) Module, and a Data Generation (measurement strategy) Module, combine to yield a VCMM as defined in the referenced Solicitation Subtopic. The conceptual framework of the VCMM developed under the Phase 1 effort also demonstrated that computer simulation could accurately predict actual measurement uncertainty of an individual CMM. The Phase 2 project will support many more geometrical entities, provide a much more complete description of the Virtual Measuring Device Module, and increase the adaptability to user defined measurement situations. An Industrial Review Board will provide real world field testing of early Phase 2 prototypes.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The VCMM software will assist thousands of industrial metrologists using CMMs to improve measurement accuracy, reduce scrap, and increase product quality. Manufacturers of geometrically complex components, such as those found in the aerospace industry, will have an immediate tool to determine whether an anticipated measurement plan is capable of inspecting a part. Design engineers will benefit by avoiding the specification of unrealistic tolerance requirements. The VCMM will also assist CMM Designers in designing and building more accurate and less expensive machines.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.1 Mathematical Models for DNA Sequencing Quality Assurance

TITLE: Automated DNA Sequence Quality Assessment for Diagnostics, Databases, and Forensics

ABSTRACT:

DNA sequencing is used in numerous critical applications including: design of bioreactive, diagnostic, and therapeutic products by biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms; forensic identification; development of new agricultural products; identification of bacterial and viral strains; and understanding the function of enzymes, structural proteins, signaling proteins, inter- and intracellular communication, and mechanistic aspects of cellular control and metabolic feedback.

The importance of the data to be collected and the size of current genomics efforts result in a need for increased automation of existing methodologies; quantification of the quality of the data; and significant increases in throughput without loss of data quality.

Our Phase 1 effort developed algorithms that suggest the quality of base calls (from automatic DNA sequencing) can be improved while reducing labor by 80%, and that probabilities can be assigned to individual base calls. We will now:

-include consideration of more kinds of sequencing data;

-provide improvements in base calling by suggesting automated editing together with probability information on all possible edits at each point;

-perform sequence-specific base calling, taking advantage of prior information to improve diagnostic and forensic sequencing applications.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

This work has profound implications for DNA sequence databases, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic test developers, the forensics community, manufacturers of sequencing equipment, and many others.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Chemical Science and Technology

SUBTOPIC: 8.12.11 Advanced Spray Diagnostics Incorporating Temperature Measurement Capability

TITLE: Diagnostic Development for Characterizing Fuel Droplet Temperatures in Spray Flames

ABSTRACT:

Development of efficient spray combustors requires a complete understanding of fundamental phenomena that influence and control the overall spray combustion process. Toward this end, detailed experimental characterization of spray flames is essential. This includes measurement of various fuel droplet parameters, such as droplet size, velocity, number density, temperature, composition, and droplet vaporization rates in spray flames. The availability of the phase Doppler instrument has permitted simultaneous measurement of droplet size, velocity, and number density of fuel droplets in spray flames. However, the measurement of individual fuel droplet temperatures has not been possible thus far. In the Phase 1 program, the feasibility of integrating rainbow thermometry to phase Doppler interferometry was investigated. The results of the Phase 1 program clearly established that the two techniques could be properly integrated to yield simultaneous measurement of droplet size, velocity, and temperature in spray flames. In Phase 2, a prototype of this integrated diagnostics will be developed. This includes the complete design and development of the optical, electronics, and software components of the integrated diagnostics. The prototype system developed under the Phase 2 program will be tested in laboratory scale spray flames. At the completion of the Phase 2 program, the prototype hardware and software will be delivered to NIST.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The developed integrated diagnostics will find immediate application in numerous university, industrial, and government research laboratories that are currently actively involved in the study of spray combustion. It is also expected that this instrument will find application in the area of spray drying and other chemical processes involving vaporization of multi-component liquids.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.7 Nondestructive Assay of Tritium-Contaminated Samples

TITLE: A Calorimeter for the Nondestructive Assay of Tritium- Contaminated Samples

ABSTRACT:

Tritium is handled routinely at laboratories in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe. There are several applications for nondestructive assay of solid tritium-contaminated samples including environmental clean-up, routine assay of tritium handling equipment, assay of fuel elements used by fusion reactors, including the proposed ITER reactor, and routine monitoring of fission reactor core materials. Present technologies for the assay of medium-level tritium-contaminated solid samples either require substantial sample preparation or rely on surface contamination alone. Preparation of solid tritium-contaminated samples poses the problem of further contamination, and thus should be avoided if possible. The only method that offers high sensitivity, accuracy, and safety is calorimetry. Since the average energy of tritium decay is well known (±0.3%), the level of contamination can be directly inferred from the nuclear heating of the contaminated material. The sensitivity of the technique improves tremendously at low temperatures (8·K). The device envisioned would be fully automated with a sensitivity of 1.5mCi (o.6GBq), an accuracy of 0.3%, and a production cost of less than $40,000. In addition to the assay of tritium, this device could be used to assay other low-energy radioactive contamination.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

There are a large number of facilities that routinely handle medium- level tritium-contaminated solid samples throughout the world. There is also a need for nondestructive assay of tritium samples as a part of ongoing cleanup efforts at former defense installations. The device envisioned here is the only technology that is able to accurately assay medium-level solid samples without extensive sample preparation. It should therefore gain quick acceptance as a viable method.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Physics

SUBTOPIC: 8.13.12 Multi-layer Metallic Coatings on Ultrathin Substrates for Infrared Filter Standards

TITLE: An Ultrathin Foil Neutral Density Filter Set for the Infrared

ABSTRACT:

The feasibility of designing and fabricating a neutral density (OD3 to OD10) filter set for the infrared, 2 to 25µm, has been demonstrated in Phase 1. A computer model that predicts filter transmission performance in the infrared was developed in Phase 1 to perform the initial design survey of potential filter materials. The model will be enhanced with actual transmission results from sample filters, and generalized in Phase 2 to predict performance of n-layer coatings. Filter coatings in the prototype set include refractory metals and metallic alloys, as well as multilayer coatings in order to accomplish the optical performance criterion of uniform radiation attenuation. A specific challenge of Phase 2 will be optimization of the parameters for reproducible manufacturing of these difficult materials. Several iterations of vacuum depositions will be performed for each OD to optimize the specifications and fabrication methods. Stress reduction techniques are proposed, including substrate heating and ion-assisted deposition toward the goal of supplying filters on 0.1µm thick polymer substrates instead of 250µm thick silicon substrates. Phase 2 will produce an optimized neutral density filter set for the IR supported by reliable and reproducible manufacturing techniques. The set will provide a new reference standard for spectrophotometric calibration in the photonics industry, and as such will improve all IR measurement devices.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Neutral density reference standards for IR calibration in the photonics industry, IR detector windows.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.14.3 Scanner for Storage Phosphor Plate and Standard Films

TITLE: Scanning Head Storage Phosphor Plate Scanner

ABSTRACT:

Storage phosphor plates are used as a replacement for x-ray film in scientific applications such as x-ray diffractometers. The plates are used like film to capture x-ray image information. They store the information as a latent image in the storage phosphor material. The latent image can later be read out by a laser scanner and converted to a digital image. The plate can then be erased and used again. For scientific applications, the storage phosphor plate has the advantages of much better x-ray absorption and dynamic range than film. The problem addressed by the research is the development of a scanner for these plates using a "scanning head" approach. This approach is more simple, accurate, and stable than the galvanometer sweep scanners previously used. These previous scanners have significant errors in the placement of pixels over the scan plane and in the measurement of the intensity of the latent image. With our approach, pixel position can be measured directly and accurately, and the optical system is simple, efficient, and stable. Our Phase 2 research will develop a prototype scanning head scanner. It will be based on our successful Phase 1 development of a miniature scanning head unit. If the research is successful, it will be used as the basis for a commercial scanner for scientific applications.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The research will be the basis for the design of a new scanner with significantly better positional and intensity accuracy than the current state of the art. The accuracy provided would give it a substantial competitive advantage in this market over commercially available scanners. Its unique random access scan capability will also provide competitive advantages in this market.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Materials Science and Engineering

SUBTOPIC: 8.14.12 Apparatus for Spectral Emissivity Measurements on Pulse-Heated Materials

TITLE: Laser Polarimetric apparatus for Rapid Emissivity Measurements on Pulse-Heated Materials

ABSTRACT:

The goal of this work is to develop an apparatus for high speed, non- invasive measurements of the spectral emissivity of materials during microsecond pulse heating experiments. Our approach is to measure the polarization state of laser light reflected from materials during pulse heating, and derive the spectral emissivity by standard methods. This ellipsometric approach has been successfully employed to measure the spectral emissivity of materials during millisecond pulse heating experiments. The method we proposed to obtain polarization state measurements on the faster timescale was to use a Division-of-Amplitude Photopolarimeter (DOAP) as the polarization state detector. In the Phase 2 research, a prototype instrument will be designed, constructed, tested, and delivered to NIST for high speed emissivity measurements. This instrument will be used to measure the spectral emissivity of pulse-heated materials on a microsecond timescale. The research program to achieve this goal includes: (I) construct the optical system; (ii) design and fabricate high-speed demodulation electronics; (iii) construct optical instrument package with fiber-optic light delivery and collection; (iv) develop methods for in-situ and/or ex-situ calibration; (v) procure high speed, high resolution digitizers, and develop software for data acquisition; and (vi) deliver, install, and test the instrument.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

The potential commercial applications include a new instrument for rapid emissivity and optical measurements, which are important in the materials processing industries for monitoring and controlling fast physico-chemical phenomenon, such as in CVD, corrosion, optical measurements, and for research. During the Phase 1 work, a number of potential clients were also identified.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.15 Building and Fire Research

SUBTOPIC: 8.15.2 Advanced Detection and Control of Fires

TITLE: Sensor Data Fusion for Intelligent Fire Detection & Control System

ABSTRACT:

The complexity and wide variability of fire events and their signatures, makes reliable fire detection at a low false alarm rate a very difficult task. Sensor data fusion techniques, however, can be utilized to more reliably produce an earlier detection at a lower false alarm rate. Data fusion can be applied for events characterized by several types of sensors, or by similar sensors separated spatially or in the event space.

OKSI, teamed with a major manufacturer of fire protection equipment, plans to demonstrate the use of sensor fusion technology to fire detection, first under controlled standard tests for fire equipment, and then in commercial environments. Under the collaboration, OKSI will receive access to equipment and to a full fire test room. Signatures will be collected for a variety of fire and non-fire events (that may cause false alarms), and data fusion features will be extracted and encoded into a library. Unknown signatures observed by multi-criteria sensors are then classified based on the encoded feature library.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

Application of the technology only requires use of a microprocessor which is already installed in many commercial analog addressable smoke detectors; the technology will be immediately market-ready. Long range potential includes evolution towards a completely autonomous intelligent fire control system based on sensor networking, distributed processing, and wireless connectivity. Annual world wide smoke detection market is about 13 million detectors. The sensor fusion technology will be incorporated into the next generation sensors developed by OKSI's partner. This company dominates a significant portion of this market.

FY1996 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.15 Building and Fire Research

SUBTOPIC: 8.15.9 Particle Light Scattering and Silicon Surface Roughness

TITLE: Particle Sizing and Identification Through Advanced Light Scatter Techniques

ABSTRACT:

Light scatter signals in laser scanners have been used for many years to map and approximately size particles on silicon wafers; however, these measurements do not give any indication of particle composition. Current scanner technology is not adequate for the next generation of semiconductor devices.

Our Phase 1 research resulted in an instrument geometry that allows detection of 0.06 µm particles, as required by the National Technology Roadmay for Semiconductors. In addition, by utilizing a unique source/detector approach, we developed a measurement that is sensitive to differences in particle composition. Knowing the particle composition is important for both accurate sizing and determining the contamination source. This work includes building a prototype that combines existing ADE product components with the new detection techniques in the new instrument geometry. By locating the prototype in the same lab as the Phase 1 research scatterometer and a particle deposition system, it will be possible to optimize the technique for both small particle detection and classification capabilities.

This work is expected to result in a product design that will become an important tool for the semiconductor industry and a major part of ADE Optical Systems business plan.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

An instrument based on a successful Phase 1 and Phase 2 effort will be commercialized by ADE Corporation, a technology leader in the field of semiconductor characterization. Another potential application is residual material analysis in areas such as forensic science.

FY 96 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.17 Computing and Applied Mathematics

SUBTOPIC: 8.17.1 Parallel Algorithms and Infrastructure for Information Technology

TITLE: Intelligent, Portable, Scalable, Parallel Sorting Library

ABSTRACT:

The feasibility of developing a portable, scalable, parallel sorting library product was demonstrated in Phase 1. Phase 2 will develop a commercial prototype product. The hallmark of the Phase 2 commercial prototype is the inclusion of an "Intelligent Front End (IFE)", that will differentiate our product from potential future competitive products.

In addition to the IFE, the sorting library will contain a suite of parallel external sorting algorithms, parallel internal sorting algorithms, and local sequential sorting algorithms. The sorting library will be highly portable and scalable. It can be used on many types of multiprocessors including tightly-coupled parallel computing machines, and loosely-coupled clusters of workstations, and networks of PCS. The sorting library product can be used to sort data sets ranging in size from mega bytes to tera bytes. The IFE will make many decisions without user intervention, and thus make the use of this product extremely "easy" and "transparent". The IFE will decide whether to use "external" or "internal" sorting algorithms. It will also select the sorting algorithm(s) which will be "optimal" for the parallel machine and the data. The IFE will also automatically address the issue of load balancing.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:

This intelligent, portable, scalable, parallel, sorting library product will find application in the data warehousing/mining arena, and hence it will be marketed to this segment. In addition, we will also market it to the healthcare industry and the retailing industry. We will also form partnership agreements with database manufacturers and market the sorting library product as part of the database product.

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Date created: February 15, 2002

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