In July 1997, the Department of Commerce (DOC), through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, awarded 63 Phase 1 contracts. These awards of up to $50,000 each, and totaling approximately $3.2 million are for a 6-month effort to dmonstrate the feasibility of innovative approaches to the research topics identified in the DOC SBIR Program Solicitation for FY97 (DOC1997-1). 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 19 Phase 2 contracts in FY1997 for a total of approximately $3.8 million. Abstracts of successful Phase 2 proposals and comments on their commercial applications are also provided in this solicitation.

The SBIR program is highly competitive. A total of about 300 proposals were received by DOC in response to its FY1997 solicitation. The proposals were independently reviewed by DOC scientists and/or engineers. With the funds available, only 63 could be selected. Final selection was based upon the results of the reviews, a proposals 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.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.1A High Velocity Wind Measurement Systems
TITLE: A Ruggedized System for Measuring Extreme Winds
FIRM: Computational Geosciences, Inc.
330 West Gray, Suite 500
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Scott J. Richardson
405-360-0472
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
We will develop technology, termed a Ruggedized Wind Measurement System (RWMS), to measure directly extreme winds with high space and time resolution, focusing on the winds that occur beneath hurricanes at land fall. This development effort will include design, fabrication of two prototype RWMS units, and a series of proof-of-concept demonstrations in strong mountain-induced downslope and severe thunderstorm gust front winds. The technical objectives of the proposed work are: 1) design a RWMS following the guidance in ASTM Standard Practice D-5741 that will obtain data on wind speed and direction at 10-meter height for wind speeds in excess of 90 ms-1 (~200 mph); 2) fabricate two prototype units for use in field demonstrations; and 3) expose the two prototype RWMS to actual extreme wind conditions to confirm the integrity of the basic design.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
RWMS commercial applications include deployment in mesonetworks along coastal regions and islands, mountainous regions (to monitor downslope winds), and other areas (e.g., to monitor extreme winds associated with thunderstorms, forest fires, etc.). The RWMS would have high marketing potential in many areas of the U.S. and internationally, especially the Asian Pacific Rim where typhoons are common and devastating.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.3A Electromagnetic Detection of Tornadoes
TITLE: Electromagnetic Detection of Tornadoes
FIRM: Airborne Research Associates
46 Kendal Common Road
Weston, Massachusetts 02193
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ralph J. Markson
617-899-1834
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
The ultimate objective of this project is to develop an instrument capable of remote detection and location of tornadoes and/or storms containing tornadoes. There are many reports, both scientific and anecdotal, suggesting that tornadoes and tornadic thunderstorms emit anomalous electromagnetic (EM) radiation-both RF and luminous. This radiation is characterized by unusually high rates of EM pulses, sometimes organized into bursts. One objective is to determine if a recognizable EM pattern is associated with tornadoes compared to a different pattern emitted by larger thunderclouds. The investigations possible because of a unique single station aircraft total lightning (intracloud and cloud-to-ground) mapping system. This sensing technique provides the first reliable method for detecting and positioning total lightning with a single sensor. Because tornadoes occur in an unpredictable fashion over large regions, the aircraft chase capability will greatly enhance the possibility of bringing the sensor within range of tornadoes. The data obtained in Phase 1 will be used to design an operational EM Tornado Detector in Phase 2. This device's first use will be to enhance NOAA's tornado sensing instrumentation suite. Subsequently, the sensor could be used alone, or in combination with other instruments, operationally to provide tornado warnings.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The eventual EM Tornado Detection System could be either in the form of a single sensor or an array of interconnected sensors with software and a graphical display. The major commercial application for this technology would be to provide tornado warnings to cities, towns, farms, government test sites, industries and all outdoor activities where tornadoes could be a hazard to life and property. TV and radio stations as well as NOAA and other weather offices would be potential users.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.4A Monitoring of Sea Ice Thickness Using Sea Ice Resonant Vibrations
TITLE: Autonomous Pack Ice Vibration Monitoring System
FIRM: Scientific Solutions, Inc.
18 Clinton Drive
Hollis, New Hampshire 03049-6576
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Peter J. Stein
603-880-3784
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
The characteristics of flexural-gravity wave propagation in Arctic pack ice, including wave speed as a function of frequency and the frequency of peak energy, depend on the spatially averaged ice thickness. Thus a system which records these characteristics can be used to monitor changes in the average thickness of the pack ice. This is vital to understanding and predicting global climate change. Here we propose to design, build, and test a prototype system for monitoring the frequency of pack ice vibrations. The system will consist of a single two-axis tilt sensor, a GPS unit, a data logger, ARGOS satellite telemetry gear, and a solar power system with batteries for winter-over. The system will be tested on a lake in New Hampshire. If possible, the system will then be sent for deployment in the Arctic. Also proposed are investigations into the benefits of more complicated systems consisting of arrays of tilt-sensors and autonomous impact sources. Such a system could monitor both the ice thickness and the ice modulus of elasticity. In Phase 2 several systems would be deployed and we would begin to monitor ice thickness.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The development of this system is very important to the national interests of the United States. Global warming has implications to all activities. The system will provide inputs to climate change models. The thinning of the Arctic pack ice would have extraordinary implications to the Arctic oil industry and to Arctic shipping. The system, with modifications, has the potential of monitoring lake ice thickness for safety purposes. The system also could be used as an autonomous seismic monitoring system for nuclear test ban treaties and other land-based geologic applications.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.5A Space Weather Industry
TITLE: A Prototype System for Distributed Space-Weather Models and Applications
FIRM: Northwest Research Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3027
Bellevue, Washington 98009
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: James A. Secan
206-644-9660
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,963
ABSTRACT:
Accurate and timely information about space weather has become essential for managing many technologies on which our lives depend (e.g., radio communications, Global Positioning Systems). A major limitation to accessing this information from NOAA and private vendors is the lack of well-defined, standardized methods for accessing data or running models remotely over the Internet. Northwest Research Associates proposes to develop both an open-architecture Space-Weather Model/Application Programming Interface (SWxMAPI) and a proprietary set of software tools that will allow users to provide and request Space Weather Data via this Interface. In Phase 1 of this SBIR proposal, we will develop an initial design of the SWxMAPI. We will then create prototypes of three of four modules in the envisioned system: A Space Weather Model Server (SWxMS) that accepts and serves client requests for data and model-run output; a client-side agent that can be used by non-expert personnel to formulate data requests compliant with SWxMAPI and receive data products; and a Space Weather Remote Database Agent that serves as an interface between the SWxMS and local and remote databases. The prototype system will build a generalized interface to SCINTMOD, our existing Web implementation (http://www.nwra.co/nwra/scintpred/) of a space weather model.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
While the SWxMAPI will be open and freely available to the space weather community, NWRA will commercialize the implementation software modules of the client, server, remote database agent, and applications software libraries to the SWxMAPI (the fourth module). Targeted customers are private space-weather product vendors and end-users in need of space-weather products. Commercial interest in these products is expected to swell as we move toward a time of maximum solar activity and increased use of, and reliance on, technologies impacted by space weather.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.6A Automated Airborne Measurements of Atmospheric Variables
TITLE: Sensitive Measurement of Water Vapor from Commercial Aviation Platforms
FIRM: Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street, Suite E-11
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David C. Hovde
513-272-1323
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Commercial aviation offers a low cost platform from which to make extensive humidity measurements, provided the instrumentation can run autonomously and endure the rigorous flight schedules. Advances in state of the art diode laser gas sensing technology make possible compact, fully automated, self-calibrating instrumentation with the sensitivity needed to measure humidity levels throughout the troposphere. This Phase 1 SBIR will investigate the feasibility of integrating diode laser water measurement technology into a package for commercial air carriers. The study will provide: 1) a design specification for meeting packaging requirements; 2) anticipated performance of such an instrument; 3) a method for validating the data by comparison to other humidity measurements; and 4) an output data structure that facilitates the use of the humidity data sets by all members of the atmospheric research community.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This lightweight, low power instrumentation has applications in atmospheric science and industrial process monitoring. Extending the technique to the measurement of other gases opens additional markets in toxic gas monitoring, stack emissions monitoring, and fence line pollutant detection. This instrumentation will serve the petrochemical, energy, and aerospace industries.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.6A Automated Airborne Measurements of Atmospheric Variables
TITLE: A Standard Lidar Interface for Wind and Aerosol Profiling from Commercial Aircraft
FIRM: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette, Colorado 80026
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Stephen M. Hannon
303-604-2000 x 135
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,986
ABSTRACT:
Lidar systems offer considerable promise for the acquisition of a variety of atmospheric variables with very high spatial and temporal resolution from airborne platforms. Ground-based lidar systems have been demonstrated that measure aerosols, water vapor, and ozone, and airborne windsensing lidar have been flown on several military aircraft. The growing number of commercial airliners, however, offer the most cost-effective method of widespread data collection using eyesafe lidar systems. In order to make these airborne lidar systems a viable method of data collection on commercial airliners, a standard interface must be developed that meets all of the structural, power, thermal, communications, and FAA requirements AND allow for the easy installation, servicing, and upgrade of the lidar system by trained airline personnel.
CTI and our subcontractor United Parcel Service propose to develop a Standard Lidar Interface that permits minimal modification of the aircraft and offers no impact to flight operations. The development of this interface facilitates the application of lidar technologies to commercial aircraft and promotes the adoption of a technology with the ability to support airline passenger and crew safety, aircraft operational efficiency, and the collection of atmospheric variables for scientific study.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The effective integration of a laser radar system in commercial aircraft offer the ability to improve passenger and crew safety as well as the operational efficiency of the aircraft. An airborne laser radar system can be used to detect clear air turbulence ahead of the aircraft and provide advanced warning to passengers and crew; detect, measure, and report downburst and windshear events in the aircraft landing corridor to the flight crew; and search above and below the aircraft for more favorable wind conditions to promote fuel efficiency.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.7A Omni-Directional Cloud Height Indicator
TITLE: Omni-Directional Cloud Height Indicator
FIRM: Oceanit Laboratories, Inc
1100 Alakea Street, 31st Floor
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Robert W. Deuel
808-531-3017
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,919
ABSTRACT:
The proposed research will develop the specifications and design of a ceilometer capable of scanning in three dimensions to detect clouds within a range of 75,000 feet (about 15 miles). The final design will be based upon the Vaisala CT-75k ceilometer which has a nominal range of 75,000 feet. As a proof-of-concept, the proposed research effort will use the Vaisala CT-25k (which has a nominal range of 25,000 feet) in a series of demonstration tests on the island of Maui of the State of Hawaii. The field tests would involve operation of the ceilometer on a scan and tilt platform to probe the atmosphere in a hemisphere above the ground plane. The cloud height (or range) data from the laser backscatter will be analyzed and processed by a computer to convert range and angle measurements into a three dimensional plot of clouds within the probed volume.
This particular ceilometer, CT-25k, is planned for deployment on Maui at the Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS) during the summer of 1997 under the auspices of a U.S. Air Force Phillips Laboratory SBIR entitles "Remote Automated Atmospheric Monitoring and Prediction System (RAAMPS)." The RAAMPS program will be using the ceilometer on a scan and tilt platform to detect low clouds and fog near the horizontal plane. Thus, the demonstration tests can be performed with very little additional effort under a cooperative agreement with the RAAMPS SBIR sponsor, the Air Force Phillips Laboratory.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Successful demonstration of the concept with the available CT-25k ceilometer would support the evolution of the design to incorporate the CT-75k version which would increase the range of measurement from 25,000 feet (4.7 miles) to 75,000 feet (14.2 miles). This extended range plus the expansion of probed volume from a single dimension (fixed vertical beam), the three dimensional scan (probing the above-ground hemisphere) would be a major improvement over current cloud height measurements.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.8A Dual-Receiver for Space-Based Applications
TITLE: GNSS Radio Occulation Receiver
FIRM: 3S Navigation
(dba for Structured Systems & Software, Inc. (3S)) 23141 Plaza Pointe Drive
Laguna Hills, California 92653
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: James Danaher
714-830-3777
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,839
ABSTRACT:
The proposed effort is to design a space-qualified dual-frequency GPS/GLONASS receiver with enhanced capabilities for atmospheric remote sounding. While such soundings have been performed using GPS-only receivers, a space-based GPS/GLONASS receiver would be superior in terms of coverage and integrity cross-checking, as well as the ability to process the unencrypted GLONASS L2 signal. This design will be based on the company's existing dual-frequency GPS/GLONASS receivers. The company can therefore concentrate its SBIR-sponsored efforts on porting its proven GPS/GLONASS technology to the space environment.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The basic receiver hardware and software will also be applicable to spacecraft navigation and attitude measurement.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.2 Ocean Observation Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.2.1A Operational Ocean Instrumentation and Measurement Systems
TITLE: Optical Water Level Sensor
FIRM: Ciencia, Inc.
111 Roberts Street, Suite K
East Hartford, Connecticut 06108
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Salvador M. Fernandez
860-528-9737
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Development of an optical water level sensor is proposed to solve some of the problems and limitations of current sounding tube/protective well acoustic sensors. By using light instead of sound, temperature gradient effects on the measurement are obviated. Furthermore, the proposed system eliminates the need for a sounding tube, protective well and associated temperature sensors, and does not require having any part of the system under water. These features would provide several benefits which include: more robust performance with accuracy not affected by temperature effects, considerably reduced installation and maintenance costs, small size with great mechanical simplicity and structural stability, easier installation with greater flexibility in siting, high immunity to fouling and freezing problems, not subject to attenuation of high-frequency water level signals, improved performance in terms of range, resolution, and sampling rate, and greater overall cost-effectiveness.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Sea and lake water level measurement applications conducted by government entities represent a significant market. Potential customers include NOAA's National Ocean Service, State agencies, foreign government agencies, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Another potentially large market it fluid level sensing in industrial processes.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources
SUBTOPIC: 8.3.2A Detection of Tuna Schools: New Methodologies
TITLE: Low-cost Lidar for Detection of Tuna Schools
FIRM: Detection Limit, Inc.
555 General Brees Road
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Christian Schoen
307-742-0555
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,900
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this work is to build the first feasible aircraft lidar system for pelagic fish detection, identification, and abundance quantification.
Feasibility in a lidar system infers a system that is low-cost, small and lightweight with rugged construction, has low power consumption, minimal maintenance, a powerful user interface, along with a design that optimizes search and identification modes of operation for the particular identified application. We are proposing the construction of a lidar that satisfies these requirements: DLIDS (Detection Limit Lidar System). The entire assembly, housed in an aluminum environmentally sealed pod will weigh approximately 60 lbs., and is designed to be approximately 24" x 36" c 18" in size with a single window as its optical interface. The system will require a single +12V rechargeable battery to operate. Its operation time between batter replacements will be 10 to 12 hours. DLIDS will be able to detect fish schools at depths greater that 100 meters in open ocean, and identify species of fish at depths greater that 70 meters. Costing data has shown that these systems may be constructed in commercial quantities for under $75K, hardware cost alone.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
As a commercial tool, we have identified a number of applications for an affordable, lightweight, low power consuming, lidar system including (but not limited to) large fish school locations detection and identification using a helicopter mount from tuna fish fleets. Currently, 60-90% of the annual easter tropical Pacific tuna catch is due to dolphin cues. Fisheries have a strong motivation to use alternative methods of locating tune to reduce the dolphin mortality rate. It is common knowledge among the tuna fishermen that a single tuna school detection that would have otherwise gone undetected would pay for the lidar system. For bluefin tuna schools found in south Australia, there has been considerable interest from CSIRO.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.1A Underwater Visual Imaging System
TITLE: An Underwater, Video-Based, Stereoscopic Imaging and Measurement System
FIRM: QUEST Integrated, Inc.
21414 68th Avenue, South
Kent, Washington 98032
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. H.T. (Peter) Liu
206-872-9500 x 313
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,167
ABSTRACT:
The development of a PC-based stereoscopic imaging and measuring system (SIMS) that will be suitable for underwater applications is proposed. There are three main objectives for the Phase 1 work: 1) to evaluate the requirements (accuracy, range, field of view, speed, potability, etc.) For a field-worthy, video-based SIMS; 2) to modify our existing stereo measurement system to accept video input and to give immediate, on-line results, and; 3) to determine the preliminary design and feasibility of an underwater SIMS. We will extend the present system for on-line underwater measurements via a user-directed, 3-D cursor. We will study the known distortions that can be present and will apply corrections for them. Using the current procedure as a starting point, a practical calibration scheme must be developed that can provide speed, accuracy, and reliability in the field. We propose, in Phase 2, to couple the measurement system to a real-time, stereoscopic vision prototype system and to deploy such a system in the field. The Phase 1 results will provide invaluable information for formulating the optimum design for the Phase 2 system. For Phase 3, we look forward to developing a fast, accurate, robust, and cost-effective tool for stereoscopic observation, inspection, and measurement.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
SIMS will have high market potential for commercial underwater services, inspections (pipelines, cables, platform structures, ship hulls, fishing, etc.) And research deployed on a stationary platform, carried by divers, or mounted on ROVs. SIMS will be compatible with robotic systems for performing underwater and nuclear clean-up tasks (engineering construction, maintenance, and repair). SIMS will have potential for industrial and biomedical diagnosis.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.2SG Aquaculture: Water Reuse and Effluent Treatment Systems
TITLE: Development of an Extremely Low Water-Loss Recirculating Floating Bead Filter for Biofiltration and Solids Capture on Recirculating Marine Culture System
FIRM: Aquaculture System Technologies, LLC
108 Industrial Avenue
Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Douglas Drennan
504-837-5575
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,987.99
ABSTRACT:
A Shortfall in marine fisheries production is driving the development of aquaculture technologies on many fronts. Recirculating systems are regarded as critical components of many development schemes. However, interest and use of recirculating systems for production of marine organisms have lagged behind freshwater applications. A floating bead filter which is corrosion resistant (no metal parts), operates with minimal water loss, and can be automated to backwash with minimal electronics is needed to fully realize the economic potential of marine recirculating systems. This project will investigate and refine a marine recirculating bead filter (MRBF) with extremely low waterloss for recirculating marine culture systems. Backwash frequency will be optimized and preliminary carrying capacities documented. Finally, the economic feasibility of producing full-scale MRBFs will be examined.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This project proposes to develop a marine recirculating, floating bead filter that will meet an existing demand. Successful completion of the project would result in commercial production of MRBF models to support established filter markets in support of shrimp maturation, hybrid striped bass breeding and fingerling production, redfish fingerling production, soft blue crab production, shellfish purging and holding systems, baitfish productions, and lobster holding/display units. Future markets can be expected to be developed in support of developing areas such as the saltwater ornamental, summer flounder, Pompano or Grouper production.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.3SG Aquaculture: Developing and Improving Marine Species Culture
TITLE: Controlled Spawning and Larviculture of Florida Pompano
FIRM: HarvestFresh Seafoods, Inc.
5036 West Bayshore
Bacliff, Texas 77518
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David Maus
713-339-6000
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Development of technology for the predictable, natural spawning of captive Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) utilizing photoperiod and temperature manipulation is propose, along with the subsequent larval rearing and fingerling production through a joint effort between HarvestFresh Seafoods, Inc., and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University. The pompano is a highly desirable marine foodfish, considered a delicacy wherever it is sold. It commands one of the highest wholesale prices of any fish species with unrealized aquaculture potential, selling for up to $8.00 per pound in the round. Past commercial efforts to culture pompano have failed, and most attempts at spawning the fish, successful or otherwise, involved the use of hormone injections. In Phase 1, we propose to establish a protocol for spawning pompano naturally, without the use of exogenous hormones, and rearing the eggs through the juvenile stage. Phase 2 of this project will demonstrate the ability to intensively culture pompano in indoor, hyperintensive recirculating systems and establish quantitative nutritional requirements to overcome one of the largest stumbling blocks of previous attempts to culture pompano, the lack of an acceptable artificial diet. Positive results from both phases will invigorate closed-system technology by providing a new, high-value fish species to culture commercially.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Successful completion of Phases 1 and 2 of this proposed project will have direct commercial applications at HarvestFresh and potentially at other commercial mariculture enterprises. The project will establish reliable production of a new, high-value marine species in the aquaculture industry and also possibly encourage further development of indoor recirculating systems which may be located remote from coastal areas, thus providing opportunities for franchising. These systems require a more profitable culture species than those currently available.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.4SG Molecular and Immunological Probes
TITLE: Development of a Low-Cost Optical Based Probe for Detection of Red-Tide Blooms
FIRM: Apprise Technologies, Inc.
5013 Miller Trunk Highway
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Christopher J. Owen
218-720-4341
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,469.50
ABSTRACT:
Algal toxins can cause mass mortality of wild and farmed fish, contaminate shellfish beds and cause human illnesses from consumption of these products. Dinoflagellates are widely recognized to be the primary algae associated with toxic red tide blooms. Once established, harmful algal blooms typically are mono-specific. The bio-optical "fingerprint" of the bloom, related to the specific pigment composition and rations, is distinct to that species. This lends itself to pigment-based analysis techniques for bloom onset identification, tracking and resource protection. Apprise Technologies, Inc. proposes a novel molecular probe for monitoring photosynthetic pigments in aquatic systems in-situ utilizing a simultaneous narrow-band Reflectance/Absorption/Fluorometric sensor (RAF sensor) for determination of pigment composition and species identification (specifically red tide algae). The concentration of specific pigments will be determined spectrophotometrically and fluormetricly by rapidly scanning water samples with the proposed acoustro-optical tunable filter (AOTF) based Scanning Ratioing Narrow Band Spectrofluorometer (SRNB-SpecF) coupled with an in-situ reflectance probe. This resulting spectral signatures will allow for high sensitivity to pigment composition and species identification. The use of AOTF technology also lends itself to miniaturization resulting in a rugged system for the in-situ determination of pigments without the spectral limitations of current methodology.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Market projections based on a University of Minnesota-Duluth: Center for Economic Development market survey, estimated annual government and private sector expenditures on pigment analysis at 11.9 million dollars. Expenditures associated with collection and processing was estimated at 112 million dollars. Projected sales for the proposed sensor were estimated assuming 2-5 % of the total market share for the first three years of production, resulting in annual sales of $238,000 to $595,000. Market share was conservatively estimated at 408% of total for the following 3 years, resulting in $476,000 to $952,000 in annual sales. Furthermore, it is important to note that the proposed sensor would not generate analytical waste products and as a result would not incur the cost of proper disposal of these wastes. Production of the RAF sensor would result in lower costs to the end user and significant sales to developer.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.4SG Molecular and Immunological Probes
TITLE: Simplified DNA Probe Identification of Harmful Algal Species
FIRM: Saigene Corporation
1725 220th Street, S.E., #104
Bothell, Washington 98021
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Paul V. Haydock
206-485-5377
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,888
ABSTRACT:
Certain algal species have been identified as producing toxins which when ingested can cause illness and death in humans and many marine species. While it is possible and necessary to test for the actual toxins, this proposal describes the development of a rapid DNA probe based test for detection of toxin producing algal species. The test is semi-automated, easy-to-use, requires little technical training, and can be used shipboard or in a laboratory environment for real-time testing of whole water samples. To run the assay, whole water samples are filtered to concentrate any organisms present onto a filter which is then treated with simple lysis solutions to liberate nucleic acids. The lysed sample is loaded into a well of a microwell plate which contains pre-dispensed reagents necessary for the hybridization assay. The microwell plate and a polystyrene solid phase are loaded onto a robotic processor where the assay is completed by the processor automatically in about 45 minutes. The prototype assay to be developed is for a North American, Western European, and Temeprate Asian populations of Alexandrium. The test system is openly expandable, and will be directly applicable to the detection of other problem harmful algae.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Harmful algal species are a worldwide concern leading to illness and death in both humans and marine life, and can have severe negative economic effects. Under this proposal, a rapid, easy-to-use test will be developed for certain toxin producing species of Alexandrium. This assay will have broad commercial application in early identification and localization of toxigenic species in coastal waters to alert monitoring agencies. Shellfish and finfish farmers, shipping industries, and state monitoring agencies will benefit from the use of this test.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.4 Ocean Science
SUBTOPIC: 8.4.6SG Electronic Still Camera for Small Underwater Vehicles
TITLE: Automated Imaging and Mapping System for AUV
FIRM: Desert Star Systems
761 Neeson Road, Suite #9
Marina, California 93933
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Marco Flagg
408-584-8000
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,995
ABSTRACT:
Precision underwater mapping is an important requirement of projects ranging from wreck surveys and environmental impact studies to mine clearing operations and marine science projects. Small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) are capable platforms for mapping operations as they are easily deployed and can operate in hazardous environments. We propose the development of an Automated Imaging and Mapping System (AIMS) for AUV. AIMS combines digital image acquisition, precision acoustic positioning, telemetry, image transmission, and a command link in a small package. AIMS will communicate with the AUV host computer and give the vehicle the means to run precise search patterns while taking position-tagged images at regular intervals. The acoustic telemetry, command, and image link to the surface will support strategic guidance of an AUV operation by a surface operator. Post mission analysis software will retrieve the images, position tags, and associated data and construct a detailed map of the surveyed site.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Any AUV equipped with AIMS will be a capable sea floor survey tool. The specific commercial applications of AIMS is of course AUV based surveying. We forsee a growth in AUV popularity triggered by the platform's ease of deployment and support. We also feel that AIMS will spark related product developments which we will target at underwater instrumentation applications outside the AUV market.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.5 Cartography and Photogrammetry
SUBTOPIC: 8.5.1A Cartographic Data and Geographic Information Systems
TITLE: Automated Map Feature Vectorization with NOAA's Raster Nautical Chart Data for Achieving a Raster/Vector Hybrid Spatial Database: A Comparative Analysis
FIRM: Susquehanna Resources and Environment, Inc.
84 Oak Street
Binghamton, New York 13905
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. Ching-yeng Huang
607-722-7803
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,999
ABSTRACT:
For this SBIR effort, first, we will prove that map features in NOAA's raster nautical charts can be extracted with automated means rather than manual digitizing. Second, we will prove that the extracted raster-based features can be vetorized with no or insignificant error in size, shape, and spacing among objects, yielding a robust raster/vector hybrid spatial database. Third, using a comparative analysis we will prove that while automatic feature extraction and vectorization can also be achieved by using a set of conventional image processing and GIS software, these ad hoc procedures are cumbersome, inefficient, ineffective, and error-prone as compared to the proposed SRE system that integrates automatic feature extraction, raster-to-vector conversion and vector-to-raster conversion into one unified information processing environment. For testing against the SRE system composed of the IMaG, Vectorize and Rasterizer, we will select XV, IDRISI, ENVI, ARC/INFO as its counterpart. The potential benefits will include savings in labor costs by a significant margin of up to 50 percent, and improved efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy in vector database generation.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
There are 14 million recreational boat owners in the United States. Nautical Charts are equivalent road maps for these boats. Since vector-based data are much easier for electronic display, as a minimum scanned nautical charts can be vectorized for use as electronic charts. Then, potential users are 14 million recreational boat owners. Potential users are also owners of ground vehicles. Additional applications are in medical imaging, and pattern recognitions for character identification. These applications have their counterparts in defense-related matters.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.6 Quality Assurance
SUBTOPIC: 8.6.2T Quality Management and Health Care
TITLE: Algorithms for Health Care Quality Management and Outcomes Assessment
FIRM: Barron Associates, Inc.
3046A Berkmar Drive
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-1444
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: B. Eugene Parker
804-973-1215
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,994
ABSTRACT:
American health care is in the midst of momentous change. Quality improvement principles are being used increasingly to enhance productivity and efficiency of health care delivery and to help contain costs. In producing patient outcomes and resource utilization measures, it is vital to control appropriately for case mix (i.e., differences in patients due, e.g., to illness severity) in the predictive model.
If the severity of illness among patients can be accounted for accurately, differences in patient outcomes--mortality, resource utilization, morbidity, and patient function (both at discharge and over the long term)--will reflect, in large measure, differences in the quality-of-care received. With an accurate patient outcomes model, trained and validated using high-integrity hospital patient records, control for illness severity is explicit: the predictive model captures the relationship between observables and outcomes. Quality outcomes differing significantly from the expected values, as predicted by the model, reflect differences in quality of care.
Static and dynamic polynomial neural networks (PNNs) will be used to synthesize accurate prediction of patient outcomes based on the most cost-effective patient observables. For categorical variables, PNNs are trained using a minimum logistic-loss fitting criterion; for continuous variables, a minimum squared-error criterion is used.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The requirement to improve existing quality assurance/process enhancement programs is inherent in all health care delivery systems. In addition to assessing quality of patient care, an accurate grading system for stratifying patients on the basis of illness severity can play a vital role in acute care management, patient triage decisions, outcome comparisons, reimbursement justifications, and injury preventions efforts.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.7.1T IGES Viewer for ECCI
TITLE: IGES Viewer for ECCI
FIRM: InterData Analysis, Inc. (IGES Data Analysis
1127 S. Mannheim Road, Suite 305
Westchester, Illinois 60154
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: William E. Turcotte II
708-344-1815
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,986
ABSTRACT:
IGES Data Analysis, Inc. (IDA) (formerly IGES Data Analysis) proposes to develop a specification and implementation for the viewing of IGES files on the Internet's World Wide Web (Web). This project will evaluate the different uses of IGES and attempt to determine a base graphic subset that will provide the most benefit to users of the Web. IDA will use the currently posted IGES Figure Viewer Specification, found on the NIST/IGES web server* as the foundation of this specification. IDA will also determine the feasibility of implementing such a viewer in the JAVA machine independent programming language. IDA will prototype such a viewer and test it in the World Wide Web environment.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
3D IGES Viewer for the Internet and Intranets.
*This document can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.eeel.nist.gov/iges

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.7.3T Compact Photoconductive-Based Sampling System with Electronic Sampling Delay
TITLE: Compact Photoconductive-Based Sampling System with Electronic Sampling Delay
FIRM: OptoElectric
14500 Manor Park Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20853
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Chi Lee
301-871-9012
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,704
ABSTRACT:
Critical issues associated with the design of a rugged, compact "real time" sampling system using photoconductive switches as the signal generator and sample will be investigated. The design concept is based upon an optoelectronic equivalent time sampling principle developed by the Principal Investigator. It involves first the phase locking of the temporal waveform to be measured to the optical pulses and subsequent sampling of the locked waveform. The photoconductive switches are used both as optical-microwave mixer and sampler. The optical-microwave intermixing process generates a low frequency replica of the high frequency waveform to be sampled. The frequency ratio of these waves is the time expansion factor. Since there is no electro-mechanical moving part involved, the sampling is done at a fast rate. The record acquisition time of 10 s per sweep can be achieved. Other issues concerning electronic sampling delay, epoch time, number of sampling points per epoch, resolution time, photoconductor carrier lifetime, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, etc., will also be investigated. A preliminary experiment demonstrating the operation principle of the equivalent time sampling will be carried out. A complete Phase 2 system design of a pulse parameter testing instrument which will meet most requirements as specified in Subtopic 8.7.3T will be presented at the end of Phase 1.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Success of this research will lead to the commercial pulse parameter test instrument that is rugged and compact. It can perform the "real-time" characterization of high speed/high frequency signals with the following features: electronic sampling delay with data acquisition time of 10 s; adjustable epoch time from 200 ps to 100 ns; variable number of sampling points, up to a few thousand; 100 fs time resolution; photoconductor responsitivity of about 1 A/W and system sensitivity of 5 V Hz-1/2, and 212 bits per full scale reading.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.7.5T Calibrated Source of Metastable Atoms and Molecules
TITLE: Characterization of Metastable Beam Sources
FIRM: Physical Sciences, Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, Massachusetts 01810-1077
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Lawrence G. Piper
508-689-0003
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,989
ABSTRACT:
We propose a 6 month program during which we will develop and demonstrate an approach for generating well-characterized atomic and molecular beams of metastable species. Such beam sources are necessary for the microelectronics and plasma processing industries because they would provide a valuable tool required to establish a solid database of plasma-related collision processes. This improved and expanded database would allow accurate plasma-processing models which are needed to optimize plasma processing procedures.
We think the major problem to address is not how go generate beams of atomic and molecular metastables, but how to characterize such beams accurately. We will generate metastables in a system which allows easy and accurate characterization, a discharge-flow reactor. We will then expand a sample of this well-characterized mix of metastables through a nozzle into a high vacuum system. We propose an innovative and sensitive detection technique called tracer fluorescence, to characterize the metastable concentrations in the molecular beam. Finally, we will demonstrate that the relatively simple diagnostics in the moderate pressure source relate directly to the concentrations of metastables in the molecular beam.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The device developed on this project would have application in both the government and commercial sector. A well-characterized source of metastables would be an invaluable tool for reducing the uncertainties extant in the cross-section database regarding ionic and electronic collision processes with metastable species. This improved database would then enable the development of more accurate plasma models, which would in turn, improve efficiencies in a number of areas related to microelectronic component development.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.7.8T In Situ Composition Measurements of Quaternary Semiconductors
TITLE: Diode Laser-Based Optical Flux Monitor for MBE Control
FIRM: Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street, Suite E-11
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Daniel B. Oh
505-984-1322
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
A diode laser method for the real-time measurement of absolute flux concentrations and spatial profiles of atomic beams used in MBE will be tested. The proposed method uses the doubled output of a near-infrared diode laser to access atomic absorption lines of species such as Ga, Al and In. The detection method will combine high frequency wavelength modulation and noise canceler approaches in order to achieve absorbance sensitivity below 1 x 10-5 at 1 Hz (equivalent to 0.1% resolution of a monolayer/sec flux rate). In addition to the line of sight absorbance measurements, phase sensitive atomic emission measurements made using the modulate diode laser light source will provide spatial resolution of the atomic beam. Compared with other optical methods, the proposed technique will result in more than a 100 times increase in sensitivity and will eliminate absorbance selectivity problems caused by window deposits and particle scattering.
During Phase 1, the feasibility of this approach will be established by measuring Ga atoms using a doubled 834 nm diode laser. The Phase 1 results will lead to the development of diode laser monitors for Ga, A1 and In, in Phase 2.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed research will result in the development of sensitive beam flux monitors for the semiconductor industry.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.7 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.7.9T High Accuracy Digital to Analog Converter Based on Processing Magnetic Flux Quanta
TITLE: High Accuracy Digital to Analog Converter Based on Processing Magnetic Flux Quanta
FIRM: HYPRES, Inc.
175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, New York 10523
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Alex Kirichenko
914-592-1190
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,986
ABSTRACT:
HYPRES proposes the development of Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with extremely high accuracy and linearity. The DAC is based on the processing of magnetic flux quanta in an integrated superconductive circuit. The device uses a stable reference ac signal at relatively low frequency (below 100 MHz). This frequency is multiplied on chip up to 48 GHz. The operation of the device is based on the digital replication of Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) pulses with an integer (or fractional) factor proportional to the digital input code. Each of these pulses is applied to one of a series of output stages, such that the output voltage is proportional to the input code. Due to the fundamental Josephson voltage-to-frequency relationship, this proportionality is absolutely accurate, and results in extremely high linearity. The precision of the conversion would be limited only by the stability of the external reference signal. For HYPRES' 3.5 mm 1 kA/cm2 all-niobium technology the proposed device will operate with a 3 GHz sampling rate. Phase 1 will establish the feasibility of the new design we propose, by demonstrating all parts of the DAC working separately and a 8-bit DAC. Phase 2 will lead to a multi-chip DAC with 16-bit dynamic range at a 3 GHz sample rate.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed D/A converter can be used as a very precise synthesizer or as a programmable voltage standard. In the civilian sector, besides the standards laboratories, advanced instrumentation companies have a need for the accuracy and calibration enabled by a voltage standard. With the new designs we propose, this market will increase significantly to include signal processing applications requiring high accuracy analog-to-digital converters. The main advantage of the proposed D/A converter is the absence of expensive and complicated high-frequency equipment.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.4T High Precision Manufacturing of Diamond Indenters
TITLE: Diamond Indenter Finishing Machine
FIRM: Dia-Tool Corporation
24126 Research Drive
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48335-2633
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Daniel R. Diskin
810-476-2552
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,932
ABSTRACT:
Dia-Tool proposes herein a new manufacturing machine that will combine the processing steps of shaping the indenter and the measurement of the resulting cone into a single automated Diamond Indenter Finishing Machine. The images of the edges of the indenter cone are digitized through an imaging array and directly stored in computer memory. The indenter cone images are then transformed by image analysis software into a vector representing the features of the image. That vector is supplied to a neural network to determine deviation from specification. The neural network output provides parameters for feedback to the grinding and polishing processes. The indenter will be measured in situ at the end of each grinding or polishing step and accepted, rejected or returned to the grinding/polishing station for more finishing based on the analysis of the image.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The market for a Diamond Indenter Finishing Machine includes not only manufacturers of Rockwell C indenters, but may also include those metrology labs, both independent and within large factories, which wish to test and reshape worn Rockwell C indenters. Since the standard requires tighter tolerances, the frequency of replacement or reworking of indenters may increase.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.12T Software and Error Analysis for 2-D Grid Calculations
TITLE: Self-Calibration and Error Analysis for 2D Measurements
FIRM: ARACOR
425 Lakeside Drive
Sunnyvale, California 94086
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mathew Koshy
408-733-7780
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Two-dimensional measurement machines, such as microlithography and computed tomography systems, are subject to distortions in the measurement field due to imperfections in their hardware and software. Certified methods to characterize and quantify such distortions are urgently needed. An innovative self-calibrating scheme is tendered which eliminates the disadvantages of previous self-calibration approaches. To employ the method, a test object containing a grid of reference features is measured at several orientations and positions in the field of view. The proposed approach compensates for systematic errors due to the imprecise knowledge of construction and position of the test object during measurement. The approach converges to an exact correction in the absence of noise, and outputs a functional representation which can be used to evaluate the distortion at any point in the field of view. If successful, Phase 1 will: (1) demonstrate a robust, computationally efficient algorithm for determining the geometrical distortion inherent in any 2D measuring machine; (2) demonstrate a robust, computationally efficient algorithm for producing a function representation of the distortion; and (3) characterize the amplification of random errors in the calibration procedure for various levels of input noise.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
If the Phase 1 and 2 programs are successful in meeting their technical objectives, ARACOR will have developed a certified, self-calibration procedure for measuring the geometrical distortion of any 2D measurement machine and formulating the results in a variety of useful formats. The mathematical basis for the procedure, as well as the recommended method for performing the calibration, will be documented and published under the auspices of one or more standards organizations. The application software developed in Phase 2 will be available to any interested party as platform independent applets in ARACOR's home page on the Internet's World Wide Web.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.12T Software and Error Analysis for 2-D Grid Calibrationsv TITLE: Self-Calibration Theory, Procedures & Algorithms for Calibrating Two-Dimensional Measuring and Manufacturing Tools
FIRM: Interconnect Technologies Corporation
P.O. Box 4158
Mountain View, California 94040-0158
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Michael Raugh
415-964-5958
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Research is proposed for creating standard artifacts, procedures and algorithms for practical two-dimensional metrology at verifiable nanometer scales of accuracy for use in calibrating lithography tools, optical steppers, and high-precision coordinate measuring instruments. At present, NIST does not offer such standards, nor do de facto standards exist in the U.S., yet they would be of particular benefit for the U.S. semiconductor industry, where improved wafer yields resulting from improved positional measurement on multilayer resists could have significant economic impact. Innovative self-calibration techniques and a new approach for deriving error estimates will be researched, evaluated and applied to practical algorithms and procedures.
In Phase 1, it is anticipated that alternative self-calibrations techniques, such as random-array and lattice methods will be compared, explicit error bounds and/or simulation-suite methods for characterizing error patterns and verifying accuracy will be demonstrated, strategies for mitigating error accumulation will be considered, and at least one self-calibration method will be proven feasible.
In Phase 2, the work will lead to implementation of self-calibration software and specification of procedures for nanometer-scale calibration accuracy, which NIST can use for creating standard two-dimensional artifacts.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Prospects for selling self-calibrating software that yields rigorous error bounds with each calibration, to metrology and lithography tool makers for periodically ascertaining tool accuracy (especially tools used in wafer fab facilities), are excellent. The commercial prospects for related consulting also appears to be excellent.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.13T Object Oriented Frameworks for Manufacturing
TITLE: Manufacturing Framework Integration of CMMs Via Emerging Standard for Object-Level CMM Interfacing
FIRM: Object Workshops, Inc.
Route 2, Gox 309H
Wytheville, Virignia 24382
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dietmar May
540-223-1145
AWARD AMOUNT: $43,470
ABSTRACT:
New work is in progress on a CORBA interface standard for online interactive communication with DMIS-based Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs). This work is being pursued for submission to CAM-I via a recently organized object technology working committee of the North American DMIS Users Group.
We will explore how to build upon this work for integration with existing manufacturing frameworks, especially the Sematech CIM Framework and the NIIP architecture. This would provide a well defined factory-wide mechanism for the control of CMMs, for the (near real-time) online query of inspection data from such equipment, for the immediate feedback of such inspection data into a comprehensive factory floor process control system, and for offline simulation of CMM operation and interactive DMIS program generation.
Phase 1 will explore which existing manufacturing object frameworks can readily support such extension, and is expected to identify one or more practical and efficient mechanisms for integrating this DMIS object standard into these manufacturing frameworks.
Phase 2 will develop the actual framework interface and provide a prototype implementation of this interface to integrate the DAIS object standard within one or more manufacturing frameworks, and provide test stubs.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The direct commercial application of this research will be to provide a framework-compliant interface to a variety of dimensional inspection equipment, especially CMMs. This allows other framework applications to directly access inspection data, providing direct feedback within a manufacturing workcell. A framework-based process control system could track the progress of a workpiece from a CNC machine, for example, through to inspection, and could immediately feed back out-of-tolerance conditions to automatically adjust cutter operation on the CNC machine. This also allows other framework applications, such as CAD systems, to generate inspection sequences via object manipulation, and to control inspection equipment operations, which is quite useful for on-machine inspection and other advanced manufacturing techniques.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.14T Interfaces to Manufacturing Resource Planning
TITLE: A Step/Corba Framework for Integrating Manufacturing Specifications with MRP/JIT
FIRM: Renaissance Engineering, Inc.
First National Plaza, Suite 1414
Dayton, Ohio 45402
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dan Z. Sokol
937-224-1414
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,641
ABSTRACT:
While much of the data involved in product and order definition has been captured in standard electronic structures such as IGES and EDI, material and process specifications are still handled as amorphous, paper-based documents. The use of manual, text-based specifications is an extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Specifications are an integral part of the product and order definition effort and the lack of integration between specification content and MRP/JIT is a major obstacle in achieving an agile manufacturing enterprise.
During this Phase 1 research, Renaissance Engineering (with the assistance of the Industrial Technology Institute) proposes: (1) develop a rough draft of a STEP Application Protocol for specifications; (2) define an approach for using CORBA services and facilities as the basis for software integration; and (3) create a conceptual design for integrating the STEP/CORBA approach with existing MRP systems such as SAP, BAAN, and Cincom. The resulting approach would be developed to be easily incorporated with other reference models such as those created by SEMATECH and MIIP. Instead of treating the design requirements in specifications as simple textual narrative, the proposed approach recognizes that specifications are an integral part of product data and product data exchange.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The numerous industries which have their processing, inspection, and testing controlled by specifications are extremely interested in using tools that access specifications in an intelligent, computerized format. These industries include materials, castings, forgings, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. This effort could "jump-start" an entire industry related to providing tools for the computer-assisted analysis of specification requirements.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.16T Open System Mechanisms for Product Realization Process Modelers
TITLE: Foundations for Product Realization Process (PRP) Knowledge Sharing
FIRM: Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.
1500 University Drive E.
College Station, Texas 77840
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Florence Tissot
409-260-5274
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,985
ABSTRACT:
Recent years have seen a great increase in the use of a variety of computer applications for modeling enterprise processes, notably, in the areas of simulations, planning, scheduling, and workflow. Currently, however, there are no robust mechanisms to support the exchange of the information in those models. Lately this problem has been addressed by a number of research efforts. The focus of these efforts has been the development of common process knowledge interchange language that would permit the process information stored in a model in one application to be transferred to another application. The focus of the proposed effort is to build upon existing research to develop a rigorous foundation for an integrated environment for the exchange of process information that is currently stored and maintained in different enterprise modeling applications. The proposed approach is, first, to refine and extend the current Process Interchange Format to include explicit ontologies of relevant general domains (the electro-mechanical product domain, in particular), as well as particular modeling applications (simulation, etc.); second, to define integration theories that explicate the logical connections between these ontologies; and finally, on the basis of this framework, to define an architecture that supports robust process knowledge exchange.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The process representation theory and languages from this effort will provide key enabling infrastructure for the information integrated manufacturing systems of the next millennium (for both government and commercial applications).

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.19T Internet-Based Searching Tools
TITLE: Intelink Automatic Link Generation
FIRM: Architecture Technology Corporation
P.O. Box 24344
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55424
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Timothy E. Hartley
612-935-2035
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,421
ABSTRACT:
Although many tools have been developed to aid the conversion of pre-existing documents from proprietary work processor formats to HTML for access via the World Wide Web and related Intranet documentation access systems, such as the Intelligence Community's Intelink system, few tools exist to aid the automatic discovery and implementation of hypertext links between related documents. This proposal not only describes a technique to aid the document preparer in finding and adding links to related documents, but also to alert the document preparer to new links as additional documents are added to the document server. The described method uses a client-server architecture, where a server maintains a database of document descriptions, and a client formulates descriptions for new documents. The client's descriptions are submitted to the server, which returns pointers to documents that are likely candidates for linking to. The client then compares candidates against the primary document to further judge the merit of each candidate, and to determine how best to link the primary and candidate documents. The server uses full word indexing and a binary document classifier to aid in selecting target documents. The client uses a heuristic to choose hyperlink points.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The automatic hyperlink generation tool described can be easily extended to be useful to World Wide Web authors who are transferring existing corporate documents for access on corporate-wide Intranet or on the Internet. In addition, the server can be used as a general purpose Web index or server index and Web robot, and the client can be used as a standalone client-side Web robot.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.23T Machine Tool Operational Visualizer
TITLE: Machine Tool Operational Visualizer
FIRM: CNC Connection Corporation
2948 Patterson Jake Road
Pinckney, Michigan 48169
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mary Jo Cartwright
313-878-3665
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,239
ABSTRACT:
CNC machine tools continue to be a critical part of manufacturing; yet, a majority of the users still do not have a comprehension of how the systems function internal to the control system. With the current capability and cost benefits of personal computers and multimedia tools, the opportunity to create an educational tool to display the inner workings of the CNC system is feasible.
This proposal for a Machine Tool Operational Visualizer is to develop a rapid prototype of a technical training software module and student workbook that would fully present, in an interactive fashion, the inner workings of a CNC machining center. The prototype would encompass the entire operational process of the CNC using video, audio, animation, simulation, and text as a basis for us to develop "what if" scenarios that can be used by the student to "play" with a virtual CNC machine tool and take a close look at how a closed loop servo system really functions.
The proposed prototype model will be validated for student usability by the Livingston Technical Academy and technically validated by GE Fanuc Automation North America.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Software product that is an interactive multimedia educational tool.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.24T A Visualizer of Machine Tool Performance
TITLE: A 3-D Machine Tool Error Modeling System
FIRM: Automated Precision, Inc.
7901-C Cessna Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Kam C. Lau
301-330-8100
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
In response to the increasing demand for better understanding of the manufacturing processes and the machining systems, a new testing standard--ASME B5.54 and a family of new testing instruments have been developed for evaluating the performances of a variety of CNC machining centers. Because of the advancement and versatility of the new instruments, test data are being collected at a much higher rate and complexity than with the conventional dial-gage or straight-edge techniques. This calls for a more intelligent way to present the potential machine errors and the part errors than the conventional X-Y plots of errors versus machine axis travel. A means of presenting the potential machine and part errors proposed in here is to use computer emulation. This proposal describes a plan to develop a 3-D Machine Error Modeling System which can emulate the part cutting process on a machine and eventually display the part errors a 3-D solid model fashion. The work plan will begin with a detail analysis of some 200+ machine measurement data files to identify the machine error sources and the type of instruments used to perform the measurements. A 2-D machine error modeling system will first be developed and then expanded to a 3-D modeling capability. In Phase 2, the work will be expanded to include developing advanced machine and part error modeling techniques which can then be used to develop corrective actions for the entire manufacturing process. It is anticipated that this technology can be assessed through the Internet or the information superhighway for many manufacturing companies, large or small.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This project is aimed at developing a 3-D machine error and part error modeling tool in which the errors can be visually emulated via computer simulation. The software will be made readily available through the Internet or the information superhighway with maximum efficiency and minimum overhead cost. This software tool can help many companies, large or small, to establish a good understanding of their manufacturing processes, machine systems and the potential part errors, and also ways to improve the processes to achieve better quality and productivity. The potential market of this software is all U.S. manufacturing companies as well as overseas estimated to be somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 companies.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.25T A Multimedia Tutor for Machining Technology
TITLE: A Case-Based Reasoning Approach to Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Tooling and Machining
FIRM: Stottler Henke Associates, Inc.
2016 Belle Monti Avenue
Belmont, California 94002
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Richard H. Stottler
415-655-7242
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
An automatic system will be developed to bring the experiences and machine shop environment of experienced machinists to Numerical Control (NC) programmers and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software operators. This Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) will teach machining principles and how to apply them with a tailored course of instruction and remediation for use in an office or classroom. The ITS will be designed to foster development of accurate mental models of principles, operationalize these principles through application in realistic task settings, assesses the student'S ability to apply the principles, and remediate as appropriate. The solution is a case-based ITS, enhanced with multimedia including machining animations and simulations.
In Phase 1, we will develop a prototype experienced-based ITS within a specific subset of the machining domain. We will also design a generic ITS architecture applicable in many other domains. When ITSs are enhanced with interactive multimedia, students develop a better conceptual understanding of the principles, demonstrate greater motivation during tutoring, and exhibit greater retention of course material. Thus, an ITS provides instruction that is at once cost-effective and potentially superior to traditional classroom teaching methods. We have used this CBR approach with much success in many other tutoring domains.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
By conveying machining experience from experienced machinists, NC programmers and CAM operators will achieve greater productivity and improved quality. Many training domains in military sectors, government agencies and the private sector would benefit from automated cost-effective instruction via an ITS. Because the ITS architecture is domain independent, it could be employed for new training domains with little development time.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.8 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.8.26T X-Ray Measurements of Residual Stresses in Ground/Polished Ceramics
TITLE: XRD Integral Method Determination of the Triaxial Residual Stress Field in Machined Ceramics
FIRM: Lambda Research
5521 Fair Lane
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Paul S. Prevey
513-561-0883
AWARD AMOUNT: $48,918
ABSTRACT:
Finish machining of structural ceramics can produce residual stresses, and subsurface defects (SSD) acting as stress concentrators, in the near-surface material. Residual stresses and SSD produced by machining affect the mechanical properties of ceramic components. In this context, it is essential that the residual stresses be properly quantified in ceramics, in order to establish suitable machining parameters.
Residual stress measurement techniques have been developed, with varying results, for determining the residual stresses in ceramics. XRD is the most suitable method for determining machining stresses in ceramics due to the method's high resolution and ability to characterize the macro and micro-residual stresses.
A novel XRD method will be developed for nondestructive measurement of residual stress depth distributions resulting from machining. The proposed integral method provides a stable solution of the subsurface residual stress profile, and has been successfully applied in mechanical residual stress measurements. Feasibility of the proposed method will be demonstrated on beta silicon nitride and metallic aluminum coupons for comparison to standard layer removal methods. The x-ray elastic constants for beta silicon nitride will also be determined.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Ideal machining methods will be determined in Phase 2. Machining parameters would be optimized to provide improved residual stress and mechanical strength characteristics in an assortment of ceramics. The newly developed technology would be provided to manufacturers of ceramic components.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.1T Aerosol Particle Sizing from Low Pressures
TITLE: Particle Beam Mass Spectrometer for Detecting and Sizing Sub-0.1 m Particles from Semiconductor Process Reactors
FIRM: MicroTherm, LLC
2404 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Nagaraja Rao
612-331-0001
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,875
ABSTRACT:
The Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will improve the practical utility of a new approach for detecting and sizing sub-0.1 m particles in vacuum processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. Particle contamination during the processing of silicon wafers is a major source of yield loss in semiconductor manufacturing. Current generation laser scattering monitors are not sensitive to particles smaller than about 0.17 m in size. However, within five years the semiconductor industry will need to detect 0.006 m particles in vacuum processes. An alternative technique, the particle beam mass spectrometer (PBMS), has recently been developed at the University of Minnesota for measuring sub-0.1 m particles in vacuum. Currently, the PBMS cannot be used for continuous monitoring applications or for detecting low particle concentration levels. The objective of the proposed research is to develop an improved PBMS capable of continuous monitoring and detection of individual particles down to 0.05 m. The improved PBMS will be experimentally characterized using laboratory generated aerosols. These improvements will enhance the practical utility of the PBMS as a process particle monitor for the semiconductor industry. A compact prototype of the improved PBMS will be field tested at industrial sites in later phases of the research.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (NTRS) published by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has listed detection of sub0-1 m particles in vacuum tools as a critical need for manufacturing the future generations of integrated circuits. The end product of the proposed research will be a vacuum particle detector potentially capable of meeting these needs. There are no other products currently capable of meeting these needs.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.3T Development of a Novel Atomizer for Reference Spray Combustion Facility
TITLE: A Spray Nozzle with Electrically Controllable Spray Characteristics
FIRM: Fluid Jet Associates
1216 Waterwyck Trail
Dayton, Ohio 45458
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: John L. Dressler
937-885-4882
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
In the conduction of benchmark combustion experiments, a fuel spray nozzle that produces a steady-well-defined spray is needed. This fuel spray, of known properties, is a boundary condition for the atomization, mixing, and combustion which results throughout the combustor volume. Present spray nozzles use fluid turbulence, which is chaotic, to drive the spray formation. Because the turbulence amplitude depends on the fluid viscosity, which depends on fluid temperature, the spray from available nozzles varies if fluids of different viscosity are used or if the nozzle temperature changes during an experiment. In an earlier USAF SBIR contract, Fluid Jet Associates developed a spray nozzle that receives atomization energy from an electromechanical drive. This driver's electrical terminals provide an input to the spray process that changes spray formation independently of the fluid properties. The solution explored here for creating a standard spray is the development of a feedback system for the electromechanical sprayer that maintains spray parameters by compensating for changes in fluid viscosity or fluid mass flow. The Phase 1 effort will be concentrated on measuring the electrical to spray transfer functions from which a control scheme can be defined.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The control of the spray from a nozzle by means of an electrical feedback signal will be useful in many industrial oil burners. The feedback system would achieve fuel efficiency and minimum pollution by compensating for changes in fuel flow rate and viscosity.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.5T Strongly Coupled CFD Code for Modeling Spray Combustion
TITLE: Efficient Three-Dimensional CFD Model for Spray Combustion
FIRM: StreamWise, Inc.
4013 Maricarr Drive
Kettering, Ohio 45429-3203
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David P. Brown
937-298-3073
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,733
ABSTRACT:
A program is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a general computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for predicting turbulent, multi-phase mixing and reacting fluid/particle dynamics for three-dimensional spray combustion systems. The method allows coupled flow, chemistry and polydisperse aerosol behavior to be calculated efficiently in a Eulerian reference frame. Dispersed droplet properties such as size distribution, mass loadings, and interphase energy and mass transfer are solved without having to sum the contributions of individual particle trajectories over the entire particle spectrum as is required in traditional Lagrangian approaches. The method consists of the Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) system of equations based on the Reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) formulation, coupled with a lognormally distributed, polydisperse moment model for droplet transport (convection, inertia, thermophoresis, buoyancy, and Brownian/turbulent diffusion) and dynamics (nucleation, condensation/evaporation and coagulation). A research code including many of these features has been tested for a variety of inlet, duct, airfoil, cascade, nozzle and plume problems with strong coupling between gaseous and liquid/solid phases. The code can be run quickly and efficiently on PCS and workstations and, therefore, will be effective for detailed parametric studies involving large numbers of cases. The method will be extended to model spray combustion.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This research will provide an advanced, multi-phase, chemically reacting, CFD code which can significantly reduce design and analysis time for a broad range of problems. These include predicting combustion efficiency and pollution formation in spray combustors for power generation and incineration, aerosol formation in exhaust plumes, and nanophase material properties in gas-to-particle conversion, spray pyrolysis, and flame processes.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.7T Mid-Infrared Light Source for CRD Spectrometer
TITLE: Light Source for Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer
FIRM: Aculight Corporation
40 Lake Bellevue, Suite 100
Bellevue, Washington 98005
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Charles Hamilton
206-451-9558
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Cavity Ring-Down (CRD) spectroscopy is developing into a precise tool for measuring gaseous contaminants in ultrahigh vacuum and other environments. Optimum sensitivity is obtained by driving the CRD spectrometer in the mid-IR part of the spectrum with about 100 mWatts of average power at 5 kHz and with pulse lengths of 10-50 nsec. Bandwidths of 100 MHz are required. There are no commercial lasers available with these properties in a small, easy-to-use instrument Aculight proposes to use periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) as the non-linear converter. A new "tandem" PPLN wavelength converter will demonstrate the narrow band wavelengths necessary for detecting H2O and O2 in Phase 1 without the need to mechanically move the nonlinear crystal or exchange the optical cavity mirror set. A single frequency device will be delivered to NIST in a Phase 2 program.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The commercial applications of a narrow band, mid-IR tunable source include: spectroscopy, medical procedures and semiconductor fabrication.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.8T High Brightness Tunable IR Sources for Advanced IR Microscopy
TITLE: A Broadly Tunable Ultrashort Pulse IR OPO Pumped by a Mode-Locked Cr:LiSAF Laser
FIRM: Science & Engineering Services, Inc.
4032 Blackburn Lane
Burtonsville, Maryland 20866-1166
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Coorg R. Prasad
301-989-1896
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,738
ABSTRACT:
We propose to develop an innovative, compact ultrafast high brightness laser source, broadly tunable in the infrared for vibrationally-resolved infrared microscopy and other applications. By passive Kerr lens mode-locking of a novel diode-pumped tunable Cr:LiSAF laser, 100fs pulses will be generated at 100 MHZ repetition rate with an average power of 1W. An optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped with this ultrafast laser generates rapidly tunable infrared output. By taking advantage of new quasi-phase matched nonlinear materials, the OPO will achieve frequency conversion over the 1 to 5m range with efficiencies greater than 30%. Several features that make our proposed laser uniquely suitable for this application are: the pump tuning method provides tunability over a broad range otherwise unattainable, wide operating bandwidths (800cm-1); excellent beam quality and high efficiency; potential use as an efficient primary source for extension to 10m and potential for even shorter pulses (40fs). In Phase 1, after a detailed analysis, a bread-board diode-pumped short pulse Cr:LiSAF laser will be built and used to pump an OPO. These experiments will provide data for comprehensive design of the Phase 2 laser. In Phase 2 a prototype tunable mode-locked laser and OPO will be fabricated and tested.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Some of the anticipated commercial applications are: nonlinear optical applications in spectroscopy, medical applications including high resolution tissue imaging for cancer detection, blood oxygen analysis time resolved fluorescence; high speed kinetics, lidars for environmental monitoring and remote measurements of gases; photochemistry and military applications.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.9T/A Aquaculture
TITLE: On-Line Analyzer for Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, pH and Dissolved Oxygen in Aquacultural Production Systems
FIRM: Northwest Instrument Systems, Inc.
3100 George Washington Way
Richland, Washington 99352
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Richard M. Ozanich
509-375-5568
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,982
ABSTRACT:
This project will develop an on-line analyzer instrument for rapid automated sequential analysis of water samples for nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, ammonia, pH, and dissolved oxygen. These common chemical constituents and characteristics are essential to the management of aquacultural production facilities. These parameters must be measured frequently and accurately to maintain the health of fish crops. Existing test methods are typically labor-intensive or prohibitively expensive. The proposed device will allow aquacultural operators to produce reliable, calibrated analyses with an unattended instrument that requires little routine maintenance. The analyzer will utilize proven colorimetry analytical methods for nitrogen compounds and dissolved oxygen and solid state ion-selection field effect transistor for pH measurement. The system will incorporate automated initial and continuing calibration using modular reagent cartridges. The instrument will generate very small volumes of waste solutions (e.g., one to five ml per sample). The analyzer will be capable of collecting and analyzing water samples on a user-selected schedule and will have data logging capability. Phase 1 of this proposal will proof-test the miniaturized components of the instrument and demonstrate the feasibility of collection of water samples from an aquatic water source and the analysis of multiple analytes using this device, using conventional analytical method validation procedures to establish accuracy, precision, representativeness, and comparability. A prototype portable instrument has been demonstrated for field analysis of a single analyte. Phase 2 of this work will produce a fully-functional instrument that can be integrated into a control or alarm system for installation in a production facility.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This project will develop an analytical device that can be used in a wide variety of applications including water quality management in aquacultural production, ecological assessments, assessment of storm water and run-off water, and management of water and waste treatment facilities. Commercial applications are expected to include user-specified analytical suites to meet individual user needs.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.1T Visible Diode Lasers
TITLE: Development of Visible Diode Lasers by Using I-III-VI2 Semiconductor System
FIRM: Applied Optronics Corporation
111 Corporate Boulevard, Building J
South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jennhwa Fu
908-753-6300
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,495
ABSTRACT:
The proposed Phase 1 approach utilizes a material system, the I-III-VI2 compounds, for which some early success in the fabrication of laser devices and LEDs has been achieved in Japan. The benefits to this material include: ease in forming p-n junction, greater thermal conductivity, higher bond strength in the crystal, less thermal stresses and ease in making metal contacts. The proposed effort involves the fabrication of one or two visible diode laser prototypes from this material system, with subsequent testing and evaluation. The proposed visible diode lasers to be fabricated under this effort will be grown on commercially-available p-GaAs or p-GaP substrates. Testing of these devices will be aimed primarily at determining their electronic and performance characteristics.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The developed visible diodes will have a number of important commercial applications, including spectroscopic identification, diagnostics, or applications similar to those currently being fulfilled by the red laser diodes.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.2T Analysis Software for Near-Field Optical Microscopes
TITLE: Analysis Software for Near-Field Optical Microscopes
FIRM: Field Precision
P.O. Box 13595
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Stanely Humphries
505-296-6689
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,670
ABSTRACT:
The near-field scanning optical microscope can supply information on the shape and electrical properties of surfaces with nanometer resolution. The quantitative interpretation of images is difficult because of the difficulty of electromagnetic field solutions in the near-field limit. We propose to supply software to aid in this analysis. The finite-element programs generate two and three-dimensional near-field scattering solutions in the time and frequency domains. They faithfully replicate free-space boundary conditions through the use of material boundary layers and the distributed source technique. The computational efficiency of the solution method enables sophisticated three-dimensional simulations on standard personal computers. The software packages include extensive post-processing tools and utilities for easy boundary definition. They are equipped with automatic mesh generators that handle arbitrary user-defined geometries. The well-documented programs are designed to be learned quickly so that they will be of immediate use to microscopy researchers.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The numerical methods of the software automatically apply to the far and near-field limits. In addition to microscopy, applications include microwave and RF devices, materials testing, consumer electronics, communications, hyperthermia treatment, and electromagnetic compatibility. Accessible programs to handle three-dimensional electromagnetics on personal computers would have a major impact on university research and product development in small businesses.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.5T Improved (Tunable) Notch Filters for Infrared Work
TITLE: Improved and Tuanble Infrared Rugate Filters
FIRM: Rugate Technologies, Incorporated
One Pomperaug Office Park, Suite 307
Southbury, Connecticut 06488
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Thomas Rahmlow, Jr.
203-264-4319
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
Rugate Technologies, Incorporated, proposes to develop improved narrow notch and tunable Rugate filters for the infrared. Four problems are addressed in this study: (1) identification of Rugate material pairs for use in the far infrared (out to 30 microns); (2) development of polarization and non-polarization sensitive narrow notch filters, as well as control of sensitivity to incidence angle; (3) novel filter designs; and (4) wavelength tunable filters. Rugate filters use the blending ratio of two materials of different refractive index to produce a continuously varying, periodic index profile. Typical IR materials used to date are limited in spectral range. New materials will be sought to extend the present far IR limit out to 30 microns. Techniques for controlling the sensitivity of the film to polarization and field of view will be developed. Wavelength tunable filters are a keen interest. Limitations in current methods of tuning notch position will be studied and new approaches developed. In Phase 1, we will execute material studies on blended materials pairs, and develop new design techniques. In Phase 2, we will fabricate prototypes of the more promising designs.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Rugate filters are a very promising and capable technology. This work extends this technology in four areas. The results will be applied to applications for radiometry, tunable laser sources, laser chemistry and laser (Raman) spectroscopy.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.6T Ultraviolet Components
TITLE: Stable Filterless Solar-Blind UV Photodiodes Based on Silicon
FIRM: Spire Corporation
One Patriots Park
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730-2396
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nader M. Kalkhoran
617-275-6000
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,815
ABSTRACT:
The proposed program will investigate fabrication of low-cost and stable Si-based filterless solar-blind UV detectors on radiation-hard silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structures. By fabricating detectors on silicon thin films, the active device layer thickness can be chosen so that shortwave photons are detected within the active layer, while the longer wavelengths are absorbed in a substrate which is electrically isolated by a buried insulator. Therefore, the signal generated in the substrate (noise) is not detected in the active Si region on top. As a result, an SOI photodiode can be fabricated with an active Si layer sufficiently thin that it will only detect UV photons while being blind (transparent) to visible and IR wavelengths. In preliminary studies, Spire has demonstrated the first filterless SOI photodiodes with wavelength-selective capability. We have fabricated test devices with different long cut-off wavelengths throughout the visible band by varying the active Si-top layer thickness. These photodiodes have exhibited superior stability and hardness against ionizing radiation and charged particles, including protons and alpha particles.
Spire now proposes to fabricate highly-efficient stable photodiodes on ultrathin (<1000) SOI substrates which are totally-solar blind and are ideal for many applications, including UV source calibration. In Phase 1, we will demonstrate devices with longwave cut-off below 300 nm. Phase 2 will optimize process parameters and working prototypes of these devices will be developed and delivered to NIST.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
SOI solar-blind UV detectors and images have great potential for flame-out monitoring in aircraft engines and as hydrocarbon flame monitors (gas, oil, or coal) in residential and commercial heating systems and furnaces. These devices may also be used for monitoring ozone layer thickness. In addition, they have applications for analytical and clinical instruments.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.9T Dose Monitoring System for Industrial Radiation Processing
TITLE: Development of A1203 Detector Material and OSL Dosimetric Technique for Industrial Radiation Process
FIRM: Stillwater Sciences, L.L.C.
206 S. Abbey Lane
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075-1933
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Arthur C. Lucas
405-377-5161
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
This proposal describes a new research program to be established at the small business Still Sciences, LLC, in collaboration with Department of Physics of Oklahoma State University. The overall goal is to develop and commercialize an all-optical dosimetry system for industrial radiation processing based on a novel Pulsed Optically Stimulated Luminescence readout technique and a new Al2O3 material produced by innovative crystal growth technology. Material requirements for OSL detectors differ from that for TL applications. Additional requirements of irradiation processing such as a saturation dose up to 100 kGy, independence of dose rate, and fast automatic processing should be satisfied. To develop a new luminescent material, we will modify the defect structure of Al2O3 during the crystal growth process and during post-crystal-growth annealing in a controlled gas atmosphere. Our approach to material engineering of Al2O3 is based on fast feedback between crystal growth and spectroscopic investigations using facilities at Stillwater Sciences and OSU. The developed material and POSL technique will be tested for both gamma ray and fast electron irradiations.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The developed dosimetry system will find commercial application in radiation chemistry and technology (polymerization, vulcanization of rubber, cracking of hydrocarbons), food processing and preservation, sterilization of medical supplies, testing of materials and electronic components.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.10T Measurement of Trace Alpha-Radiation in Polymeric Material
TITLE: A High Sensitivity, High Resolution Imaging Detector for Alpha Particles
FIRM: NeuTek
13537 Scottish Autumn Lane
Darnestown, Maryland 20878-3990
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Yu-Tarng Cheng
301-975-6216
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
The storage photostimulable phosphor (SPP) technique has been demonstrated to be sensitive to ionization radiation. It is especially suited for detecting alpha particles since the efficiency is practically 100%. In addition to being able to quantify total ionization deposited in a SPP sensor, it also captures the radiation source distribution information in a digital image which can be readily analyzed. The high spatial resolution of the SPP imaging system provides an additional dimension to enhance the detectability of low-level alpha radiation. For example, SPP image of tracks left by single alpha particles is measurably different from those caused by other types of radiation, including cosmic rays. An image processing technique "grain counting" will be applied to utilize this feature to significantly improve the signal to noise ratio of alpha radiation measurement. The goal for Phase 1 is to be able to measure alpha activity of 10 dpm/100 cm2 or lower reliably in minutes. With modification in SPP sensor construction and the use of a shielded portable glove box in Phase 2, the lower detection limit can be pushed by two orders of magnitude or more to meet the stringent need of the electronic industry. To ensure the quality of measurement sets of reference sources will be designed and produced by incorporating NIST standard reference materials into thin electrical insulating polymers. The incorporation method researched here can be used to produce families of standard references for nuclear industry and environmental monitoring purposes.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This proposed alpha radiation detection method offers the sensitivity and efficiency to meet a variety of radiation detection needs in industries ranging from electron manufacturing, nuclear waste management to environmental monitoring. Potential exists to provide the technology as a service or to market instruments to replace time-consuming or labor intensive conventional detection methods.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.1T Multiple Exposure High Speed Video Camera
TITLE: Materials Science and Engineering
FIRM: The Cooke Corporation
600 Main Street, P.O. BOX 888
Tonawanda, New York 14150-0888
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Gerald E. Lilly
810-332-5655
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,050
ABSTRACT:
The identification of a requirement for an advanced, user friendly high speed, short exposure (50-100nsec) electronic CCD Camera system to improve and further the investigation of thermal spray methods through detailed and accurate analysis encourages and accelerates the opportunity to develop a state of the art multiple exposure high speed video camera. This proposal is intended to enable the research and development to provide necessary advanced materials for defense, aerospace, automotive, packaging, printing and other civilian process improvements. This video camera system will allow multiple exposures per video frame with effective exposure times as short as 50nsec. Framing rates will conform to standard video (30fps) or slower as required. This capability will permit measurement and diagnostic studies of dynamic phenomena within material spray equipment including particle size and velocity and how these are distributed within the spray pattern. Spatial resolution will be 10 m or better with focal length sufficient to insure that the harsh processing environment will not damage the optical components: long distance microscope lens. The system hardware is designed for an industrial materials processing environment. The cost to industry is less than $45,000.00.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Once the proposed technology has been developed, a wide range of commercial applications demanding some or all of these innovations can be addressed with convenience, accuracy and cost effectiveness. These areas include ink-jet spray phenomena analysis, spray nozzle refinement, fuel injection and combustion engine efficiency, dairy product and other liquefied food product processing and packaging, liquid hazardous chemical delivery systems improvement, particle size analysis of the distribution of pneumatically and electrostatically driven paint systems and particle movement in wind tunnels.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.2T Characterization Requirements for Modeling Consolidation of Non-Spherical Powders
TITLE: Characterization of Consolidation of Non-Spherical Powders
FIRM: MATSYS, Incorporated
1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1250
Arlington, Virginia 22209
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Tony F. Zahrah
703-524-1160
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,943
ABSTRACT:
We propose to characterize the early stage of consolidation of non-spherical powders to further the development of process models to enable simulation of powder metallurgy manufacturing for the consumer market, especially the automotive industry. Typically, spherical powders with a narrow size distribution are used for aerospace applications, while low-cost powders with irregular shapes and a wide powder size distribution are used for the consumer market. Ashby and colleagues have developed models for powder consolidation which rely on an assumed ideal packing of spherical monosized particles, with a uniform initial relative density around 0.64. For low-cost, irregular shape powders, the initial relative density is low (typically around 0.40) and varies within a component. It is the ultimate objective to expand the applicability of existing consolidation models which have proved extremely useful for net shape forming in the aerospace industry. The objectives of Phase 1 are (1) full characterization of die filling operation and identification of potential improvements; and (2) characterization of powder compaction/rearrangement for non-spherical particles and identification of critical parameters for use as model inputs. The results can be used to develop a complete set of experimentally validated models to simulate compaction of non-spherical powders.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed effort will have applicability in the powder metallurgy based component manufacturing for the consumer market, especially the automotive industry. It is expected to also yield tools which can be used in the education and training of students and manufacturing engineers.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.3T Engineering of a Permanent-Magnet 77K Magnetic Cooler
TITLE: Development of a 10K TO 77K Magnetic Refrigerator
FIRM: CryoFuel Systems, Inc.
33301 12th Avenue, S.W.
Federal Way, Washington 98023
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. John Barclay
206-874-0411
ABSTRACT:
The development of an innovative recuperative 10K to 77K magnetic refrigerator using permanent magnets and GDGal-xFex012 is proposed. Phase 1 project objectives are to design and model the performance of several configurations to determine the detailed specifications for the permanent magnet subsystem. The thermodynamic properties of the GDGal-xFex012 material will be modeled in detail to aid in system design. The field magnitude and directions of several permanent magnet configurations will be calculated using sophisticated codes before selecting the best system to be designed, built and tested. Integration of this subsystem into a 10K to 300K cryocooler will be considered to ease the development of a complete cryogenic cooling system. The fabrication of a permanent magnet unit will be accomplished to test the derived models and verify the subsystem design.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The successful completion of this project will establish the basis to build a very inexpensive yet moderately efficient cryogenic magnetic refrigerator. It would provide a cryocooler for applied superconducting, applications and be extendible to very large non-CFC refrigeration applications near room temperature.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.5T Diffuse Light Source for Illuminating Specularly Reflecting Droplets
TITLE: Holographic Condensing Illuminator
FIRM: North Dancer Labs, Inc. (NDL)
P.O. Box 99
Shelburne, Vermont 05482-0099
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Charles Lysogorski
802-985-1045
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,731
ABSTRACT:
The ability of high speed photography to record useful images of spray plumes generated by metal atomizers, metal spray deposition equipment, and plasma spray coatings depends on a light source capable of providing illumination suitable to record high velocity, specularly reflecting droplets. Due to the reflective nature of the surface of these particles, point sources and collimated light only allow a small portion of a particle surface to be recorded. A diffuse light source is necessary to provide illumination of the complete surface area. Ordinary diffusers, while providing a wider illumination angle, do not provide sufficient energy (when used with a short pulse) to expose film. A diffuse, but condensed, light source is needed to fulfill these requirements. To meet this need, North Danger Labs. Inc. (NDL) proposes to develop a unique Holographic Consensing Illuminator (HCI) capable of providing diffuse light, condensed to fit the desired imaging area with minimal loss of power. Single or multiple diffuse beams in front or back lit format with any beam shape will be possible. By tailoring the diffuse illumination exactly to be the testbed, the HCI will provide the imaging lens with highest illumination for recording.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Being able to acquire high speed motion data using an HCI system for highly efficient illumination would find immediate application in a number of research areas (combustion research, particle imaging, metal spray analysis, ballistics) by increasing the capabilities of high speed film cameras. When the Phase 2 HCI system is completed, Oxford Lasers and NDL will market the HCI system as either a custom or a stock laser illumination system that testing groups can purchase or rent for superior highspeed laser illumination.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.6T Software for Weld Sensing and Control
TITLE: Software for Weld Sensing and Control
FIRM: AMET, Inc.
4191 W. Highway 33
Rexburg, Idaho 83440
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David A. Stompro
208-356-7274
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,645
ABSTRACT:
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) accounts for a significant proportion of all welding performed. Due to its relatively high speeds and metal deposition rates as well as relatively low equipment and maintenance costs, it is also the most popular process for automated, and especially robotic, welding. There are, however, problems that significantly restrict its manufacturing applications.
The efforts at NIST have been to characterize the effects of process variations on arc stability and weld quality. NIST has developed several software modules and sensors that have the ability to characterize the GMA weld quality and potentially significantly improve the process stability.
We believe that widespread industry acceptance of these modules depends upon integration of the NIST software with a user friendly as well ad industrially hardened and proven high speed control and data acquisition systems.
The Phase 1 objective will be to demonstrate the NIST technologies and sensors on an existing AMET control and data acquisition system using a open multi-processor, digital signal processor (DSP), oriented architecture. The second objective is to develop a basic PC computer interface, in Windows95. This system will provide simple weld monitoring, running the NIST modules on the same DSP boards as the AMET system.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
AMET and N.A. Technologies would be developing as many as three distinct commercial products as follows:
- An option for AMET's currently available control and data acquisition systems which can provide all the capabilities of the currently developed NIST technologies.
- A basic package for monitoring and displaying data from the NIST modules.
- A small versatile standalone arc length control system with contact tip condition information display.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.10TCC Neural Net Software for Optimization of Ceramic Grinding
TITLE: Neural Net Software for Optimization of Ceramic Grinding
FIRM: Native American Technologies Company
1317 Washington Street, Suite 1
Golden, Colorado 80401
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jerald E. Jones
303-279-7942
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,934
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this Phase 1 project is to demonstrate the ability to develop a neural network model of the ceramic grinding process with fusion of the sensor/process control parameter data. A model will be developed from existing NIST data using artificial neural systems (ANS) with algorithms that have previously been specifically designed to provide good results for manufacturing applications, for the primary customer base of N.A. Technologies Company. The model will provide the ability to do model based simulation of the process in an automated interface capable of an output weighted optimized search with cost functions for the input parameters. The system will be developed in the 32 bit Windows environment making it compatible with all other certified Windows software and capable of being embedded into an off-line planning (OLP) and automated concurrent engineering (ACE) system. The system will include full Windows Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) data communication linkages. The system will also include pseudo-three dimensional response surface graphics dynamically linked to the neural network model with both visual and sound pitch human interface allowing multiple parameter "visualization" using combined visual and auditory feedback. Finally, the system will be designed for easy integration into a 32 bit Windows based, (multi-platform), integrated concurrent engineering, Off-Line Planning (OLP) system.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
While it is anticipated that this model will be made available for sale to interested industrial customers, including N.A. Technologies' existing customer base, the greatest potential is for the model to be used for model based simulation and optimization within the context of an integrated concurrent engineering system and off-line planner. Upon successful completion of Phase 2 efforts, a foundation will be established to proceed with very exciting development of advanced automated concurrent engineering systems requiring less human interaction. This would represent a considerable advancement to the present OLPS and ACE systems, in a PC-based environment, and will offer considerable commercial opportunity.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.11T/A Technologies for Large Area Electronic Materials and Devices
TITLE: Use of Very High Frequency Plasmas to Prepare a-SiGe Alloy Photovoltaic Materials
FIRM: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
1675 West Maple Road
Troy, Michigan 48084
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Scott J. Jones
810-280-1900
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
The program objective is to investigate the feasibility of using a very high frequency (VHF) [70 MHz] plasma technique to produce high efficiency a-SiGe:H solar cells at relatively high deposition rates. Using the VHF technique, high quality a-SiGe:H material is expected due to enhanced low energy ion bombardment of the growing film surface which has been found to be beneficial to the growth of this type of alloy. A group from Neuchatel University have demonstrated that by using the VHF technique, a-Si:H material can be prepared at the high rate of 10 /sec without a deterioration in the electronic properties. Thus, with the expected faster deposition rates and improved a-SiGe:H solar cell efficiencies, application of this technique to ECD's existing roll-to-roll solar cell production process should lead to significant cost savings.
For the Phase 1 program, we will produce and characterize a-SiGe:H materials using VHF process. In addition, utilizing ECD's expertise in a-Si technology, we will further advance this technology and fabricate single junction solar cells to demonstrate the advantages of using this technology. In later stages of the program, we will use the VHF technique to develop high efficiency triple junction devices and scale up the process for the commercial production.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The success of this program will lead to replacing the standard rf glow discharge deposition technique with the faster VHF technique in our two manufacturing joint ventures' production lines. We anticipate producing a-Si solar cells with higher stabilized efficiencies at lower production costs. As a result, Photovoltaic (PV) modules will be used more widely, thereby reducing the dependency of fossil fuel energy sources.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.11T/A Technologies for Large Area Electronic Materials and Devices
TITLE: Next Generation Electrode Technology for Optimized Performance & Manufacturability of Large Area Electrochromic Windows
FIRM: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
501 Hoes Lane, Suite 208, P.O. 278
Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Stephen C. Schulzv
908-445-3300
AWARD AMOUNT: $50,000
ABSTRACT:
SAGE Electrochromics, Inc. proposes to evaluate the feasibility of replacing the indium doped tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductor TC with a thin-film Ag based stack having greatly reduced costs, enhanced performance and improved durability for electrochromic (EC) windows. This new system draws upon low-emissivity technology developed in the architectural glass coating industry to maximize photopic transparency while reflecting infrared energy. These antireflecting layers are concurrently and uniquely utilized as a device electrode, distributing the uniform current required for electrochromism to occur.
The goals of this effort are to: (1) reduce the costs of the TC by a order of magnitude, (2) achieve a neutral device color by tuning reflection, and (3) enhance unpackaged moisture resistance and durability by developing a low permeability capping layer with good abrasion resistance. The resulting functional EC device will have greatly improved performance at a fraction of current costs.
To accomplish these objectives, we will replace the ITO with a layer of silver dereflected by transparent oxide layers. Electrical connections for biasing the device will be made to the Ag. The electrode stack will be topped by a thin-film moisture barrier.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Electrochromic glazings will have a tremendous impact on the architectural glass industry by allowing building occupants and owners to electronically control the shading of their window glass, anywhere from clear to deeply tinted. This dynamic solar control offers significant energy saving and comfort benefits to the end user. This proposed research will open the possibility for EC windows to be price competitive with existing static solar control windows with mechanical blind systems, enabling broad market penetration and giving the U.S. an advantage in capturing global architectural glass markets, which are projected to exceed $5 billion dollars. EC glazings will also find application in transportation windows (for safety and comfort) as well as a number of speciality applications.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.5T New Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Vapor Compression System Based on an Autocascade Cycle Combined with a Rectifier Column
TITLE: Study of Operation Conditions Including a Refrigerant Composition Heat Exchange, Mass Transfer and Development of Design Criteria for an Auto Cascade Cycle Combined with a Rectifier Column
FIRM: Spauschus Associates, Inc.
300 Corporate Center Court
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ullrich Hesse
770-507-8849
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,911
ABSTRACT:
Zeotrope refrigerant mixtures have been proposed and used for energy saving. Matching the temperature glide of the refrigerant to the temperature change of the heat sink and source, while simultaneously reducing the pressure difference seen by the compressor will result in significantly improved efficiency. A new cycle based on a mixture cascade combined with a rectifier column has recently been introduced to realize this feature. So far this cycle has been studied only with limited cycle calculations and with only one binary refrigerant mixture. To confirm the feasibility of the concept and its full potential, more detailed cycle simulations shall be performed. The refrigerant mixture composition with respect to components and concentrations will be varied and operating conditions will be modified. The design of a breadboard system to be used in a later phase will be completed.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Residential and commercial air conditioning and heat pumps; Any refrigeration system with significantly different temperature glide on the heat sink and heat source side; Air conditioning and refrigeration systems with small size centrifugal compressors.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.7T Sweating Thermal Conductive Performance Apparatus for Evaluation of Fire Fighter Protective Clothing
TITLE: Development of a Sweating Thermal Conductive Performance Apparatus for Evaluation of Fire Fighter Protective Clothing
FIRM: Hughes Associates, Inc.
3610 Commerce Drive, Suite 817
Baltimore, Maryland 21227-1652
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jesse J. Beitel
410-737-8677
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,955
ABSTRACT:
Fire fighter burn injuries continue to be a frequent problem despite significant advances in protective clothing. A reason for this is the buildup of moisture in fire fighting garments as a result of sweating or fire fighting activities. This buildup of moisture increases the heat transfer through the garment and can result in scald burn injuries as the water is quickly heated. Currently, there is not an established, standard test method for accurately measuring the performance of garments under various wetting and heat load conditions. Such a standard would allow the development of specific performance requirements for fire fighting clothing while providing an accurate basis for comparison.
The Phase 1 objective is to develop a practical, bench-scale test method for which the thermal performance of fire fighting protective clothing can be evaluated under varying wetting and thermal conditions. The program will encompass both a literature search and analysis of the relevant work in this area as well as experimental development of a test apparatus. A limited selection of fire fighting garment materials will be evaluated during Phase 1. Completion of this objective will result in detailed plans for a test standard and apparatus that will be fully validated in Phase 2.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
A test method and stand alone apparatus for determining the thermal performance of fire fighter protective clothing exposed to varying wetting and thermal conditions have application in both developmental research and regulatory compliance. This fire testing equipment and test method are intended to be adopted by regulatory and standards organizations, such as NFPA and various DoD organizations, that govern the manufacture and/or purchase of fire fighting ensembles.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.7T Sweating Thermal Conductive Performance Apparatus for Evaluation of Fire Fighter Protective Clothing
TITLE: New Methods for Evaluating Thermal Performance of Protective Clothing for Fire Fighters
FIRM: Ktech Corporation
901 Pennsylvania, N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Ned R. Keltner
505-268-3379
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,940
ABSTRACT:
A growing number of fire fighters are suffering third degree burns; this has led to questions about the adequacy of thermal protective performance (TPP) measurements for protective clothing. A new heat flux sensor, whose response approximates that of skin, will be developed to provide better measurements of heat transfer in TPP tests. This sensor will be used with nonlinear parameter estimation and thermal analysis techniques to determine the thermal conductivity and thermal inertia parameters of protective clothing materials as a function of moisture level. These enhanced techniques will provide more accurate assessments of how moisture affects thermal protective performance and the potential to produce severe burns. They will be designed to complement measurements obtained with the TPP Test Fixture described in NFPA-1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting.
In Phase 2, these enhanced techniques will be extended to evaluate (1) the combined effects of moisture and compression on TPP, (b) localized degradation of TPP due to two-dimensional effects, such as retro-reflective striping, and (3) differences between TPP measurements using the existing techniques and the new ones. Some of the hardware and analysis techniques will be designed for retrofitting onto existing TPP test fixtures.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Reduce injuries through better specifications and measurements of the effects of moisture on protective clothing and more representative measurements of heat transfer in thermal protective performance lists. These enhanced evaluation techniques will enable the development of better protective clothing performance specifications and reduce injuries.
Two potential products for sale: (1) Thermal inertia block and analysis package for retrofit to existing text fixtures and (2) a new test fixture and analysis package for thermal property measurements on textile samples.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.9T Rapid Scanning Near IR/IR Spectrometer
TITLE: A Stationary Spectrometer for Determining Flame Structure
FIRM: OPTRA, Inc.
461 Boston Street
Topsfield, Massachusetts 01983-1290
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: James R. Engel
508-887-6600
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,914
ABSTRACT:
OPTRA is proposing the development of an all-reflecting stationary Fourier transform spectrometer, based on the use of Fresnel mirrors and a linear uncooled amorphous silicon microbolometer array to produce spectra in the 1 to 5 micron region with resolution of 5nm. Concentration, temperature and soot volume fraction will be derived from the measured emission spectra of a flame. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) microbolometer detector array will be custom designed and fabricated as a primary goal of the Phase 1 effort. The uncooled microbolometer measures radiant power by measuring a temperature change induced by the absorption of incident infrared radiation. This spectrally independent intensity measurement provides an attractive alternative to spectrally limited hybrid detector arrays and may well provide the critical bridge into the next generation of high sensitivity spectrometers capable of measuring spectra over the entire IR range.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed system can be used over the entire mid IR to IR range and will be suitable for applications where wide spectral range, high resolution, autonomous operation and low power consumption will be of concern. The system performance parameters are consistent with applications in remote sensing, process control, and combustion analysis.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.10T Advanced Detection and Monitoring of Fires
TITLE: Analysis of Remote Fire Detection Using Microwave/Millimeter Wave Radiometric Sensor
FIRM: Waveband Corporation
375 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1105
Torrance, California 90501
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Vladimir Manasson
310-212-7808
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,957
ABSTRACT:
Lack of reliable fire warning and detection systems for urban/wildland interface, large area industrial facilities and transportation systems results each year in a loss of millions of dollars worth of property; it also endangers lives.
Typical optical fire detection sensors do not work well under frequently encountered adverse atmospheric conditions and, in addition, are incapable of covering sizable areas.
WaveBand proposes to use recently developed hardware to study the feasibility of the detection using a millimeter wave (MMW) scanning radiometer. It provides the advantages of remote fire detection even under adverse weather conditions and through fire-generated smoke, better immunity to false alarms than optical sensors, and large areas of coverage. Despite using a wavelength that is much longer than that of visible light, the MMW sensor can accurately pinpoint the location of a developing fire.
The proposed study will result in a comprehensive model of the interaction between MMWs and fire, providing foundation for sensor design and fabrication.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed reliable and low-cost fire sensors will be applicable to monitoring large storage sites of flammable materials, as well as fire-prone residential neighborhoods, especially at the urban/wildland interface.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.12T High Heat Flux Gauges and Calibrators
TITLE: Thermographic Phosphor Based Heat Flux Sensors
FIRM: Ktech Corporation
901 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Ned R. Keltner
505-268-3379
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,972
ABSTRACT:
As fire protection engineering moves towards the implementation of performance-based fire codes, the use of validated fire models is becoming a necessity. Part of the validation process involves demonstrating model capabilities for predicting key fire environment parameters. One of the key parameters for estimating time to ignition and fire growth is the heat transfer rate to compartment surfaces and items in the compartment. The heat transfer rate or heat flux is also recognized as an important variable in the occurrence of flashover.
Prototype, thermographic phosphor (TP) based heat-flux sensors will be developed to measure and distinguish between radiative and convective heat fluxes in fire environments. TP sensors also provide surface temperature information. In Phase 1, the sensors will use optical interrogation and readout from the unheated surface. Initial evaluation of the sensors for mixed mode heating will use a heated, free jet for convective heat transfer and a radiant source that provides an infrared spectral distribution that is representative of a fire, peak temperature approximately 1300K.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Thermographic phosphor based heat flux gauges will be developed for fire safety testing. They will provide better definition of thermal conditions in fire tests.
Potential Products for Sale: A system for measuring temperatures and heat fluxes in fires. Its options would be similar to optical pyrometers.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Computer Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.1T New Assurance Methods
TITLE: Process-Based Assurance Product Suite
FIRM: Arca Systems, Inc.
8229 Boone Boulevard, Suite 750
Vienna, Virginia 22182-2623
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Karen M. Ferraiolo
703-734-5611
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,927
ABSTRACT:
Arca proposes research leading to development of a suite of methodology support products to help meet the need for innovative assurance techniques appropriate for emerging information technologies. The product will consist of a licensable methodology and supporting materials for specifying, building, and evaluating assurance arguments for products and systems based on the capability of security engineering organizations and the maturity of their processes. Arca proposes to research the contribution of process capability, as measured by the Systems Security Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SSE-CMM), to assurance, drawing on its unique combination of expertise in security engineering process improvement and in traditional and alternative assurance techniques. Process capability is widely regarded as a very promising potential source of assurance that could contribute substantively to assurance for new technologies, as well as reducing the time and cost associated with traditional product evaluation. Arca believes that research and development of a product to measure and document process-based assurance will be of tremendous value to secure product and system developers and integrators, security service providers, product evaluators and assessors, system certifiers and accreditors, acquirers of products and systems, and other initiatives interested in alternative assurance techniques.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The research performed in Phases 1 and 2 will produce a new, marketable methodology for measuring and documenting the contribution of process to assurance. To facilitate the use of the methodology, it will be embodied in a product suite that will include a set of SSE-CMM profiles applicable to products and systems with requirements for various levels of assurance. The methodology and profiles are expected to be of value to secure product and system developers and integrators, security service providers, product evaluators and assessors, system certifiers and accreditors, acquirers of products and systems, and other initiatives interested in alternative assurance techniques.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Computer Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.2T Internet Protocol Version 6 Security Policy Engine
TITLE: Simplified Security Policy Specification for Administrators
FIRM: Secure Computing Corporation
2675 Long Lake Road
Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2536
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Charles Nove
612-628-2764
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,963
ABSTRACT:
As an increasing number of formerly isolated networks connect to the world-wide Internet, an increasing number of system and network administrators must be conscious of site security considerations. In the face of new and varied Internet-based attacks on inter-connected systems the security systems which protect against these attacks are ever evolving and becoming more complex. Given all of the duties and responsibilities assigned to the typical administrator, most administrators are not able to keep up with this ever-increasing complexity. Adminisrators know what they want to achieve in terms of security, but they often have trouble achieving it.
An administrator must have an effective and flexible means of describing a high level security policy which meets his or her security objectives. The work proposed under this Phase 1 SBIR is directed towards developing a design for a mechanism which translates an administrator's view of how IPSEC mechanisms ought to be employed into a low level security policy which is used by the security policy engine. The security policy engine evaluates the security policy for the benefit of IPSEC and related network security components (including the ISAKMP engine), providing an appropriate security determination according to the parameters supplied by IPSEC components.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Secure Computing Corporation's firewall products provide a myriad of configuration parameters which may be specified. Any simplification of the administrator's interface, especially of the work described in this proposal, will make the firewall easier to use and less prone to mis-configuration. Assuming a successful completion of this SBIR, Secure Computing Corporation intends to incorporate the developed technology into its line of firewall and other Internet security products.

FY1997 Phase 1 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Computer Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.4T Composing Security Policies
TITLE: Composing Security Policies
FIRM: VDG, Inc.
6009 Brookside Drive
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Serban Gavrila
301-975-4343
AWARD AMOUNT: $49,965
ABSTRACT:
The research proposed herein in intended to solve two problems, namely (1) to define a specification framework for access control policies that enables policy composition for both centralized and distributed systems in a precise and systematic manner, and (2) to explore the impact of different security architectures on policy composition. Although most commercial systems support applications that implement their own security policies that are composed with base system policies, the result of such composition is generally unknown and can often lead to security exposures. To date, the precise and systematic characterization of centralized and distributed security policies, which is composed on independently specified policies, remains an elusive goal. Furthermore, a precise analysis of the relative advantages of different system architectures in the policy composition area has not been available to date; e.g., none of the commercially available microkernel-based operating systems implement security policies in a modular manner that would facilitate policy composition. The overall objective of this project is to develop a security policy specification method and tools that would enable the precise definition and composition of different security policies for commercial products using different security architectures.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The security policy specification method and tools, when fully implemented, will provide a significant measure of confidence in the integrity and security of computer systems and networks. As such, they will be marketed to both software producers and security evaluation service providers to make possible precise, systematic development and analysis of simple and composed access control policies, and to help eliminate design and implementation flaws that can lead to security exposures. The method and tools will facilitate the development of access-control policy profiles by any business or government organization under the framework of the Common Criteria for IT security technology.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.1A Unmanned Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft
TITLE: Field Testing of Aerosondes in Offshore Meteorological Reconnaissance
FIRM: The Insitu Group
P.O. Box 1700
White Salmon, Washington 98672
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Tad McGeer
509-493-8600
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,880
ABSTRACT:
The Aerosonde is a miniature robotic aircraft for long-range meteorological reconnaissance. Its economy promises to allow routine soundings and severe-storm monitoring on a wide scale over oceans and remote areas. Aerosondes began field trials in November 1995 during the Maritime continent Thunderstorm Experiment off northern Australia, with further exercises following in 1996 off Oregon and western Australia. The system now needs to be put through larger-scale trials directed specifically at operational forecasting. Here we propose such a trial, to be conducted in Hawaii together with the local Office of the National Weather Service and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. We envision a two-week field phase, with pairs of aircraft rotating continuously through sounding missions of about 40 hours duration out to about 250 km off Kauai. The exercise will support daily runs of the NCEP/EMC Regional Spectral Model, with flight tracks targeted for maximum impact in response to the evolving meteorological situation.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This program would start NOAA down the path toward routine use of Aerosondes for operational reconnaissance. Together with field program elsewhere, it would also promote adoption of the Aerosonde by other weather services around the world. Our commercialization partners envision a market of over 1000 aircraft per year in meteorology, with additional possibilities in atmospheric research and other areas of environmental monitoring.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.1 Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences
SUBTOPIC: 8.1.4A Seismic Tornado Detection System
TITLE: Seismic Detection of Tornadoes
FIRM: Engineering Analysis, Inc.
715 Arcadia Circle
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Frank B. Tatom
205-533-9391
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,998
ABSTRACT:
The Phase 1 study results provide strong confirmation that tornadoes on the ground produce significant seismic signals which a properly designed Seismic Tornado Detector (STD) can detect. The proposed Phase 2 effort should result in an operational STD system design, with considerable potential application by government agencies for the protection of the general populace, as well as by the individual homeowner for personal safety. The technical approach involves: 1) applying the Phase 1 results to the Phase 2 effort; 2) using the experience of the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI), the Soil dynamics Laboratory of Michigan and the National Severe Strom Laboratory (NSSL); 3) maintaining good communications between research team members; 4) modifying the existing short-Period STD instrument packages to include Long-Period capability; and 5) using (where possible) existing designs for key STD components. The specific technical objectives are: 1) continued collection and analysis of chance TSS measurements; 2) detailed design of STD instrument package; 3) development of STD instrument package software;4) STD instrument package fabrication and assembly; 5) testing of STD instrument package; 6) development of deployment plan; 7) deployment of STD instrument packages; 8) recovery of STD instrument packages; 9) data retrieval and analysis; 10) development of detection algorithm; 11) design of STD prototype; and 12) complete documentation.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Two applications of the research are envisioned, both dealing with the detection of tornadoes. First, from the standpoint of both state and federal government agencies involved in the detection of tornadoes, an STD network, when used in conjunction with Doppler radar, should provide an accurate, efficient method to determine when a tornado is actually on the ground. Second, in addition to the development of STD networks another STD version could be developed for warning the individual homeowner.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.3 Living Marine Resources
SUBTOPIC: 8.3.1A Reducing or Eliminating Bycatch in Fisheries Using Fish Attracting Devices (FADs)
TITLE: Thomas Drop Net Concept
FIRM: Ocean Friendly Company
2699 East 28th Street, Suite 402
Signal Hill, California 90806-2248
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Kent R. Thomas
562-595-0961
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
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 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 U.S. flag tuna boats utilizing the Thomas Drop Net Concept. Economically, the increased catch will result in shorter trips for the boats, along with higher income from higher quality fish.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Perfection of the Concept is anticipated to eliminate the waste of living marine resources. The Drop Nets may also be used in various other markets, including the herring roe fishery in SE Alaska, sea farming throughout the world, and in the Pacific Island nations who lack capital to invest in large fishing vessels.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.5 Cartography and Photogrammetry
SUBTOPIC: 8.5.1A 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
FIRM: Susquehanna Resources and Environment, Inc.
84 Oak Street
Binghamton, New York 13905
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: J. Ching-yeng Huang
607-722-7803
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,997
ABSTRACT:
To generate raster/vector hybrid databases, a three-step process is proposed: 1) map features are extracted; 2) each extracted feature is identified, and 3) it is vectorized as a GIS coverage. Our Phase 1 effort proves that Steps 1 and 2 are feasible. In addition, test results with the SRE's Vectorizer indicate that variation in size, shape, and location after vectorization is absent. Potential features to be vectorized include: 1) Rocks; 2) Obstructions; 3) Ship Wrecks; 4) Soundings; 5) Cables; 6) Pipelines; 7) Bridges; 8) Channels; and 9) Shorelines. Proposed sources include NOS nautical charts, U.S. Corps of Engineers blueprints, and text documents. Phase 2 effort will prove that: a) the SRE segmenter is effective for feature extraction and identification; b) error in raster to vector conversion is either absent or extremely insignificant; c) SRE generated vector data can be transitioned into the ARC/INFO system; d) a division-of-labor approach - between automated and manual method - to vector database generation is optimal; and e) commercialization of the SRE's ImaG system can be a by-product of data analysis. The Marine Board estimated that vectorizing 1,000 NOAA nautical charts with manual methods will cost the Government $20 million; thus, enabling NOAA to achieve the same task with a significant saving in costs and time is one of the Phase 2 benefits.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Potential users are 14 million recreational boat owners. Additional applications are in map feature vectorization, military target recognition, urban, regional and environmental planning, medical imaging, pattern recognition, and industrial robotic vision.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.6 Data and Information Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.6.1A Real-Time Geolocated Image Processing and Display Systems
TITLE: An Integrated Multi-Sensor Data Processing System
FIRM: Quadrant Engineering, Inc.
107 Sunderland Road
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ivan Popstefanija
413-549-4402
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
This SBIR Phase 2 proposal seeks support to develop a multi-sensor data acquisition and processing system for use in airborne remote sensing of ocean surface properties. Our design utilizes industry standard hardware tools combined with custom control, processing and display software. We propose to use a combination of PCI and VXI/VME products to take advantage of their respective strengths. These data will be stored in the widely accepted Hierarchical Data Format (HDF), so they can be shared among multiple users and read by various commercially available image display and processing software packages. A graphical user interface will control all of the instruments attached to the data system. Real-time processing algorithms will be implemented to correct the data for aircraft attitude and heading and will geolocate all data using GPS. The Environment for Visualization (ENVI), a software package designed specifically for remote sensing data, was chosen as a powerful tool to display and analyze the sensor data. The key goal of this project is the development of custom software to merge data from multiple sensors for processing, real-time display and storage.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Commercialization of this research will allow Quadrant Engineering to provide system software solutions to government, educational and industrial users. The software developed through this Phase 2 SBIR effort will serve as a framework for future value-added work. Modules may be added and removed to the overall software to build customized solutions for a wide variety of applications.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.9 Electronics and Electrical Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.9.1T Josephson Voltage Standard
TITLE: Superconducting Frequency Counter for Reduced-Cost Josephson Voltage Standard
FIRM: HYPRES, Inc.
175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, New York 10523
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Michael S. Pambianchi
914-592-1190
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
HYPRES proposes to integrate the superconducting frequency counter developed in Phase 1 into its Josephson primary voltage standard. This counter will replace the EIP-578 source-locking counter and mixer, reducing system cost by 30%. In Phase 2, we will develop an integrated package for the voltage standard chip and counter, develop the source-locking circuitry and room-temperature data interface, optimize counter operation in the voltage standard configuration, and perform refinements to the counter architecture for improved reliability. The project will culminate with the demonstration of one commercial voltage standard package incorporating the new counter.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Josephson primary voltage standards have been sold by HYPRES in the past, but the cost has been too high for many potential buyers. Market research also shows that demand is much higher for a primary standard operating on a closed-cycle refrigerator than for the present system, which operates in liquid helium. Eliminating the most expensive component of the voltage standard will allow HYPRES to lower the cost and introduce a refrigerator platform, placing the primary standard within reach of a much larger user group worldwide.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.10 Manufacturing Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.10.21TCC Multi-Agent Software for Cycle-Time Reduction in Discrete Parts Manufacturing
TITLE: Autonomous Agents for Distributed Problem Solving
FIRM: Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville, Maryland 20850
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Kutluhan Erol
301-590-3155
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,858
ABSTRACT:
Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) is developing an innovative approach to online, integrated planning, scheduling, and execution, based on autonomous agents. Autonomous agent technology is extremely suitable for complex decision making systems in a wide range of applications, including factory automation and logistics planning. This technology extends object oriented paradigm much further, and it has the potential to become the mainstream software engineering paradigm.
The goal of this project is to develop the infrastructure technology and the commercial tools that are required for implementing robust, reliable, high-performance multiagent systems. Implementing multiagent systems requires a number of system services such as interagent communication and migration that are not readily available on traditional software development platforms. Many applications of autonomous agents involve computationally hard problems, yet require timely responses to unexpected events in the environment. High-performance infrastructure services that allow the agents to make best use of the available computational resources are critical. Our Phase 1 work has addressed high-speed flexible communication by using an innovative approach utilizing subject-based addressing, developed distributed dynamic load-balancing techniques for optimally utilizing the available computational capacity distributed on a computer network, and introduced an activity-centric model for agents that deal with multiple tasks concurrently and independently.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
We expect the resulting agent infrastructure technology and commercial tools will give the U.S. economy a competitive advantage in systems development for on-line commerce, factory automation, logistics, and many other application areas that are amenable to multiagent approaches. Our work has instigated great interest, both in the research community and with private companies specializing in software development platforms. In Phase 2, we expect to produce a commercial suite of standardized agent development tools, including an agent infrastructure with sophisticated performance optimization techniques. This suite will also contain tools to assist system architects in designing multiagent applications.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.2T Cold Neutron Focusing Techniques
TITLE: Cold Neutron Microprobe for Material Analysis Using Tapered Capillary Optics
FIRM: X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.
90 Fuller Road
Albany, New York 12205
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Vasily Sharov
301-975-6279
AWARD AMOUNT: $197,275
ABSTRACT:
Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron depth profiling (NDP) have broad applications in material research. They are the leading techniques for the measurement of light elements, such as hydrogen and boron, which are virtually impossible to measure by other non-destructive techniques. At present, PGAA and NDP techniques have limited uses in analyzing small samples or in mapping elemental distributions because of inadequate neutron beam density even at cold neutron sources.
This proposal aims at using monolithic capillary optics to focus a 20 mm diameter neutron beam into a 0.1 mm spot with orders of magnitude increase in neutron density. The success of the program will result in neutron microprobes with unprecedented spatial resolution and detection limits for small sample volumes. The individuals involved have developed the award-winning (R&D 100 award in 1995) multifiber focusing optic which focuses a neutron beam into a 0.53 mm spot with an intensity gain of 80. In the Phase 1 program, the same team has also clearly demonstrated the feasibility and benefit of using monolithic optics to focus neutrons into a smaller spot. The small prototype monolithic optic focuses a neutron beam into a 0.086 mm spot with an intensity gain of 25.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The success of this program will produce the first neutron beam microprobe with spatial resolution reaching 0.1 mm. It will be used in many commercial applications, such as mapping dopants in semiconductor devices, and measuring hydrogen distribution in metals which can lead to failures in jet turbine blades or in weld joints. The significant gain in neutron current density achievable may also make it possible to conduct neutron absorption measurements using nonreactor-based neutron sources.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.3T Autofratage Composite Design of 200 Bar Pressure Vessel for Ultra High Purity Gas Storage and Atmospheric Sampling
TITLE: Autofratage Pressure Vessel Development
FIRM: Wilson Composite Group, Inc.
6611 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite C
Folsom, California 95630-2100
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David Whitehead
916-989-4812
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,996
ABSTRACT:
The combination of filament wound outer cover and a thin wall stainless steel liner presents the possibility of having a gas storage vessel with high pressure capability at a weight that is much less than existing steel and aluminum tank of the same pressure capability and capacity. The use of a hydro-formed stainless steel liner also presents the possibility of cleanliness levels that would support part-per-trillion purity in stored gases.
The high strength and high fatigue life of the composite material allows the liner to be designed for a lead-before-rupture failure mode thus reducing the hazard of premature failure.
The objectives of Phase 2 are four fold: (1) Refine and validate the liner fabrication process; (2) Confirm that the filament winding process will result in a vessel with a burst pressure in excess of 600 bar (900 psi); (3) Minimize variability of the filament winding process; (4) Verify that the liner can be cleaned to levels sufficient to support part-per-trillion gas purity requirements and (5) to optimize the design of the outer cover and the fabrication process to assure high impact resistance, stackability, ease of handling and identification.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Semi-conductor manufacture, speciality gas supply, medical procedures, pharmaceutical manufacture, space gas collection and analysis, earth atmospheric analysis, chemical synthesis, respiratory therapy.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.4T Tunable Seed Laser for an Optical Parametric Oscillator
TITLE: Single-Frequency Tunable IR Laser Development
FIRM: Schwartz Electro-Optics, Inc.
45 Winthrop Street
Concord, Massachusetts 01742
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David Welford
508-371-2299
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,955
ABSTRACT:
There are no single-frequency laser devices yet available that continuously cover the 1400 nm to 1700 nm wavelength range. If such a device was developed, it would 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 continue our development of a tunable, single-frequency solid-state laser based on the Cr4+-ion, specifically in a YAG host, capable of being laser-pumped to generate output powers > 100 mW in the 1300 nm to 1750 region. The proposed work will address the global issues of tunability, spectral purity, lowering pump threshold and optimized conversion efficiency. Specific focus areas identified in the Phase 1 effort are improvement of Cr:YAG material quality, resonator optimization and the use of a Faraday glass for the optical diode.
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.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.11 Chemical Science and Technology
SUBTOPIC: 8.11.13T 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
FIRM: EIC Laboratories, Inc.
111 Downey Street
Norward, Massachusetts 02062
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Job M. Bello
617-769-9450
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
Hydrothermal oxidation (HTO) processes such as supercritical water oxidation are emerging as an effective method for the destruction of hazardous as well as nonhazardous aqueous wastes. Among the engineering tasks necessary in this emerging technology is the ability to monitor in situ the progress of chemical reactions, to identify constituents and products in the reaction vessel, and to monitor corrosion. Likewise, commercial steam-generation boilers are also in need of an in situ monitoring technology for monitoring crevice corrosion because corrosion undermines the integrity of boilers and thus impacts the operating cost and reliability of nuclear power plants. In this program, we propose to develop a fiber optic Raman probe that can be used for in situ monitoring of HTO reactors and steam generators. Phase 1 results proved that a fiber optic Raman probe can be built that can withstand very high heat. The technical objectives of the Phase 2 program are to develop a high temperature Raman probe using the probe components identified in Phase 1 to survive high temperature, and to demonstrate the prototype Raman probe to work properly inside an HTO reactor.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
It is expected that the high temperature fiber optic Raman probe that will be developed in this program will have the commercial applications in process and diagnostic monitoring of hydrothermal oxidation reactors and in crevice corrosion and boiler chemistry monitoring of commercial nuclear plants.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.6T X-/-Ray Tomographic Technologies for Non-Invasive Radionuclide Metrology
TITLE: High Resolution Semiconductor Gamma Ray Detectors for Radionuclide Metrology
FIRM: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, Massachusetts 02172
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Gerald Entine, Ph.D.
617-926-1167
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
Quantitative, non-invasive X- and gamma-ray 3-D tomographic assessment of large, irregularly shaped, heterogeneous bodies is essential for efficient progress in 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 Computed 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 compound semiconductor materials offer the potential for addressing these shortcomings, but their performance is limited by poor transport of the holes. We propose to address this need by fabricating a detector which uses specially patterned surface electrodes to produce a signal due to electron transport alone and to determine the position of the photon interaction. This structure offers the potential for a much higher energy resolution imaging detector than other techniques currently used with compound semiconductors.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
A high energy resolution semiconductor imaging array with 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.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.12 Physics
SUBTOPIC: 8.12.20T Fully Encoded Rotary Turn Tables for X-Ray Diffractometer and X-Ray Powder Instruments
TITLE: High Accuracy Rotation Stage for X-Ray Diffractometry
FIRM: OPTRA, Inc.
461 Boston Street
Topsfield, Massachusetts 01983
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Rick Dorval
508-887-6600
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,991
ABSTRACT:
OPTRA has developed both a linear and planar (2-axis) encoder which have displacement resolutions of less than 1 nm. OPTRA's encoder technology is based on the use of relatively coarse scales (100 lines/mm), in combination with sophisticated interferometric sensor heads which can provide 14-bits of interpolation (i.e. 1/16384-cycle). As a result we are able to utilize relatively inexpensive gratings (which are coarse enough to contact print) while at the same time providing a measurement resolution of less than 1 nm. OPTRA's approach to increase the accuracy of the rotary positioning stage is to utilize a linear scale-based rotary encoder that directly measures the position of the rotating table, effectively by-passing any gear trains. The rotating table position will be measured by one or more OPTRA linear encoder read-heads mounted to the fixed portion of the rotary table. This approach eliminates the inaccuracies in the motor/drive system and could provide on the order of 0.003 arcsecond resolution. OPTRA believes that our approach provides a cost effective solution to the rotary positioning requirements for X-ray diffractometers.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
In addition to greatly improving performance of X-Ray diffractometers, potential commercial applications for this technology are in high performance rotary tables that could be used in roundness measurement, spindle analysis, and other demanding metrology applications.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.3TCC Thermal Barrier Coating Durability in Gas Turbines
TITLE: Physics Based Life Prediction of Thermal Barrier Coatings in Gas Turbines
FIRM: Optimal Corporation
3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 100A
San Jose, California 95118-1217
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: An-Yu Kuo
408-264-8900
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
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 demonstrating the feasibility in the Phase 1, a mechanistic model which describes rate- and temperature-dependent deformation behavior of TBC with material damage will be developed. Specifically, effects of 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 and implemented in a computer code.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The physics-based TBC life prediction model can be used to assess new TBC systems or predict remaining life of thermal barrier coated blades and vanes in gas turbines.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.9T Optical Level for Sensing Vibrations of Small Specimens
TITLE: Low-Cost Optical Vibration Sensor System
FIRM: Lightworks, Inc.
8513 North 95th Street
Longmont, Colorado 80503
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Paul J.M. Suni
303-651-3268
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
In Phase 1 we demonstrated that highly sensitive vibration measurements can be carried out using an extremely simple optical technique based upon a semiconductor diode laser. Vibrations and resonances were sensed over the frequency range from 500 Hz to 154 kHz, with vibration amplitudes as small as 0.2 nanometers. Based upon the highly successful Phase 1 work, we propose to develop a full-scale prototype vibration sensor in Phase 2. The primary goal of the system is measurement and characterization of vibrations in the 500 Hz - 200 kHz frequency range, with vibration amplitudes in the range of a few picometer to several hundred nm. This system is targeted as a stand-alone sensor primarily for characterizing the mechanical frequency spectrum of small objects. The system can easily be attached to commercial microscopes. Hardware and software necessary for performing measurements at lower frequencies and with larger vibration amplitudes will also be identified and implemented. The simplicity of the technique points to sensor systems with an order of magnitude less cost than current optical systems. Further development of the technique beyond Phase 2 will enable mass production of vibration sensors at potential unit costs on the order of $100.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
A number of applications of the proposed self-contained vibration sensor exist. In the short term these include characterization of small objects, such as audio equipment, and hearing aids. In the longer term very low cost devices can be embedded into machinery for wear indicators and other "health" monitoring purposes.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.13 Materials Science and Engineering
SUBTOPIC: 8.13.18T Development of Non-Intrusive Advanced Optical Diagnostic and Measurement Systems
TITLE: Development of Advanced Optical Diagnostic and Measurement Systems for Metals Processing Research
FIRM: STRATONICS, Inc.
23151 Verdugo Drive, Suite 114
Laguna Hills, California 92653
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ron Parker
714-461-7060
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,978
ABSTRACT:
STRATONICS proposes to develop a suite of non-intrusive advanced optical diagnostics and measurement systems for the thermal spray and other advanced metal processing technologies. Advanced optical diagnostics are needed to support the development of state of the art metal processing which can be industrialized at low cost and support of the metals industry. In Phase 1, a high-spatial resolution, simultaneous, two-wavelength imaging pyrometer was developed for application to advanced metals processing. The sensor measures accurate temperature images of thermally dynamic objects. A high spatial resolution imaging pyrometer will be developed with faster time response, provided by an intensified CCD camera with shutter speeds of 0.1 s. The device provides accurate measurements of the temperature and roughness of spray formed surfaces, and temperature, velocity and size of particles in thermal sprays. STRATONICS has developed advanced holographic imaging cameras to provide high resolution imagery of the atomization process. Computerized and automated imagery analysis process will be developed for microscopic examination of the plume. The Greenfield Instruments particle size and velocity sensor is currently functional in moderately bright environments, metal atomization plumes, and will be modified to improve its performance in bright environments, such as thermal sprays.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The proposed development of advanced optical diagnostic and in particular the imaging pryometer has a wide variety of commercial applications in the fields of metals processing and thermal spray deposition. The imaging pyrometer is ideally suited for application to thermal spray monitoring in the automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment industries.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.14.10T Rapid Scanning Near-IR/IR Spectrometer
TITLE: Rapid Scanning Near-Infrared/Infrared Spectrometer
FIRM: En'Urga, Inc.
1291-A, Cumberland Avenue
West Lafayette, Indiana 47906
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Yudaya R. Sivathanu
317-463-7288
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,855
ABSTRACT:
The feasibility of utilizing infrared emission spectroscopy for obtaining simultaneous CO2, H20, soot volume fractions and temperature was proven conclusively during the Phase 1 research. This SBIR Phase 2 project involves three distinct research components that are necessary for commercialization of the novel infrared emission spectroscopic techniques developed by En'Urga Inc.: (1) development of an optimal algorithm for multiple element commercial sensors; (2) the development of an optical linear array design for different commercial applications; and (3) the design and development of a prototype two-dimensional infrared array for acquisition of planar and total volume based gas concentrations and temperatures for utilization by scientific and research laboratories.
The biggest advantage of emission based infrared sensors is that the technique is non-intrusive and does not require expensive light sources (with cost alignment and safety problems) such as lasers, arc lamps, etc. The utilization of linear array to measure simultaneously the emission intensities at different wavelengths and the iterative algorithm for obtaining the gas concentrations and temperatures from these measurements are the innovative components of the proposed sensors. Based on contracts received by the PI from a consortium of gas turbine companies, an aerospace sensor company, a diesel engine company, and two national laboratories, the commercial viability of the product appears to be assured.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
The potential customers identified for the IR sensors are the gas turbine, diesel engine, and power plant industries. A few industrial contacts are in place and additional contacts have been initiated to assure the commercialization of the sensors following the Phase 2 research. The prototype instruments being developed for planar and total volume measurements are targeted towards scientific laboratories.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.14 Building and Fire Research
SUBTOPIC: 8.14.11T Advanced Detection and Monitoring of Fires
TITLE: A Diode Laser Multigas Analyzer for Advanced Detection of Fires
FIRM: Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street, Suite E-11
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: David S. Bomse
505-984-1322
AWARD AMOUNT: $200,000
ABSTRACT:
Southwest Sciences proposes a novel fire detection technology based on optical spectroscopy using diode lasers and fiber optics. Rapid, quantitative detection of trace concentrations of multiple gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride, and others is possible. The gases are quantified separately and a fiber optic distribution network permits one laser to be used for hundreds of different measurement locations. This approach provides information on the type and location of the fire while the simultaneous measurement of multiple gases greatly reduces the chancs of false alarms. The proposed instrument is self-calibrating and self-checking to reduce the 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. In Phase 2 we will build and test a prototype instrument that detects three gases and uses the frequency modulation multiplexing scheme that was demonstrated successfully during Phase 1.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
This technology can be used for early detection of fires and for indoor air quality monitoring in high-loss buildings: large office buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, and indoor public arenas. It also has application to industrial hygiene monitoring of air quality in plants and factories.

FY1997 Phase 2 Award Winner

TOPIC: 8.15 Computer Systems
SUBTOPIC: 8.15.6T Computer System Security Vulnerability Identification
TITLE: A Thesaurus-Based Cataloging System for Classifying, Indexing, and Cataloging Computer System Vulnerabilities Information
FIRM: Interconnect Technologies Corporation
P.O. Box 4158
Mountain View, California 94040-0158
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Michael R. Raugh
415-964-5958
AWARD AMOUNT: $199,912
ABSTRACT:
R&D is proposed as a follow-on to Phase 1 efforts for an advanced system for classifying, indexing, and cataloging computer-system vulnerabilities information. The system will draw upon digital library concepts and employ a thesaurus-based catalog system. The thesaurus will be based on an ANSI standard and the catalog will use a standard format as a foundation for interoperability. The Phase 1 definition of catalog attributes and thesaurus terms will be continued with participation from the security community. The system will feature searching and browsing capabilities coupled with the thesaurus to assist users to perform lookups accurately and efficiently, and assist submitters of new catalog records to classify their information in conformity with a standardized thesaurus vocabulary. The thesaurus can enhance the precision of language used to describe, classify, understand and identify vulnerabilities. Used in conjunction with advanced catalog services, the organization, utility and quality of computer-system vulnerability repositories can be improved. Moreover, coordinated thesaurus and cataloging tools can help to sharpen the language of discourse and classification for vulnerability information, and improve access to that information among a wide array of professionals, including those responsible for vulnerable enterprises, developers, response teams, security product vendors, and researchers.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Prospects for commercialization of the software for a wide variety of information services are excellent.

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Phone: (301) 975-3085, Fax: (301) 975-3482, Email: sbir@nist.gov

Date created: October 01, 1997

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