Abstract Awards FY07.2 Phase I

Date: 2/23/2009

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Abstracts of FY07.2 Phase I Awards

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H-SB07.2-001
Organization	Intelligent Automation, Inc.
City	Rockville	State	MD
Proposal Title	“Eye-Safe” Laser-Induced-Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Standoff Explosive Detection
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-001	Proposal ID:	0721133
Topic Title	Spectroscopic Methods for Explosives Detection
Abstract	The rapid and selective detection of explosives is extremely important in a number of situations, including improvised explosive devices (IED`s), landmines, airport security, and related threats. A large number of detection techniques, both bulk methods and molecule-based approaches, have been applied to the sensing of explosives. The detection and identification of trace amounts of explosive materials at a standoff distance presents significant challenges. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a powerful technique for the detection of materials on surfaces. However, most current LIBS studies employ Nd:YAG fundamental 1.064 m laser radiation. The eye-damage threshold at this wavelength is very low. It is desirable to employ a laser at a safer wavelength for explosive detection. In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) proposes to develop “eye-safe” LIBS for standoff explosive detection. We envision that the proposed “eye-safe” LIBS system could have a significant impact in many applications such as the remote sensing of the improvison explosive device (IED) in the battle field, biological and chemical agent dection in countering terrorism, and hazardous material identification in envioriemnt protection. IAI is well positioned to introduce this new technology into a wide variety of military and commercial applications.
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Organization	Energy Research Company
City	Staten Island	State	NY
Proposal Title	Standoff Detection of VBIED and Suicide Bomber Threats
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-001	Proposal ID:	0721086
Topic Title	Spectroscopic Methods for Explosives Detection
Abstract	Energy Research Company (ERCo) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) propose the development of a novel and highly sensitive eye-safe laser-based standoff sensor technology for detecting films and residues of explosive materials. This sensor detects improvised explosive devices (IED’s), car bombs, and other weapons increasingly being used around the world against civilian and military personnel and infrastructure. The technique uses ERCo’s patent pending eye-safe laser technology and UDT’s advanced signal processing. We have experimentally verified the technique on a wide range of explosives and surfaces. The proposed work will combine ERCo’s technology with UTD’s signal processing and optimize the results. The commercial applications are significant and represent a $3 billion potential market. This includes fire, law enforcement, EMS, other first responders, and federal opportunities including DHS and others.
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Organization	Physical Optics Corporation
City	Torrance	State	CA
Proposal Title	Explosive Substance Detection Spectrosopic Standoff System
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-001	Proposal ID:	0721020
Topic Title	Spectroscopic Methods for Explosives Detection
Abstract	To address the HSARPA need for remote detection of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) and suicide-bomber threats, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Explosive Substance Detection Spectroscopic Standoff System (ESD3S) based on integration of infrared (IR) structure resonance modulation spectroscopy (SRMS) and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). The key element of the ESD3S is an ultralarge aperture narrowband light generator (NLG), which emits light at two periodically modulated wavelengths: test and reference. Absorption by explosive particles causes periodical scattering of readout light emitted by LED or intensity modulation of the test light passing through explosive vapors. Near-trace-level sensitivity is achieved by combining phase-detection electronics with the NLG ultralarge aperture. Detection on several absorption lines (“fingerprints”) provides high selectivity against commonly encountered materials. The proposed system offers real-time, reliable detection of multiple solid or liquid explosive contaminants in variable environmental conditions (flexible ConOps). Operation in infrared spectrum and the NLG packaging design hide the detection process. In Phase I POC will demonstrate feasibility of the ESD3S prototype with direct measurements of explosives simulants in critical near-trace-level concentrations. In Phase II POC plans to develop and deliver the working engineering system for extended testing at an environmentally contained government facility.
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H-SB07.2-002
Organization	Arete Associates
City	Tucson	State	AZ
Proposal Title	Detection of Human Targets in Open Water
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-002	Proposal ID:	0721074
Topic Title	Detection of Human Targets in Open Water
Abstract	Current airborne search techniques rely on an operator to look out a window with binoculars or at a video monitor connected to a turreted camera system. Disparities in crew training, experience, qualification, and attentiveness (as well as fatigue) lead to an undesirable variability in manual EO/IR detection results. To reduce the demands placed on the search crew and increase the likelihood of detecting persons in the water, it is vital that wide area search and automatic detection capabilities be developed. By bringing to bear the latest advances in EO/IR sensors and image processing, integrated detection systems can dramatically improve the search rate and probability of detection. Specifically, wide area sensors are now capable of detecting anomalies on the surface, distinguishing targets from environmental clutter, and providing accurate georegistered detection and tracking information that a higher resolution turreted system can use to classify and identify the target. Areté Associates proposes to develop a novel forward-looking EO/IR detection system that, in combination with advanced signal detection and tracking algorithms, is capable of real-time detection of swimmers in the water both day and night with >90% PD and high search rate under a range of environmental conditions including robust seas.
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Organization	Physical Optics Corporation
City	Torrance	State	CA
Proposal Title	High-Probability Weatherproof Remote Search and Rescue Seeker
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-002	Proposal ID:	0721090
Topic Title	Detection of Human Targets in Open Water
Abstract	To address the HSARPA need for an innovative prototype system for real-time detection of human targets in seawater, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new automated High Probability Weatherproof Remote Search and Rescue Seeker (HiProWSer). This proposed system is based on a high-repetition-rate, pulsed, eye-safe laser, and will offer the capability to detect human targets on the sea surface with at least 90% probability, even during harsh weather conditions and at night. HiProWSer will not be seriously affected by aircraft speed or altitude. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of HiProWSer with a robust, executable system design and integration approach, including testing and support plans and simulation results. In Phase II, POC plans to deliver a working prototype for laboratory testing, followed by airborne testing, to prove the concept. The HiProWSer is relatively simple, highly effective, reliable, and low cost. Because of its remote control capability, it could be designed for use on UAVs. The system can thus be employed not only by the Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, but also has great commercial potential for law enforcement agencies and surveillance industries operating on the sea, rivers, and lakes.
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Organization	Lynntech, Inc.
City	College Station	State	TX
Proposal Title	Wide-Area Infrared Imager (WAIRI) for Increasing Human Detection Probability
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-002	Proposal ID:	0721147
Topic Title	Detection of Human Targets in Open Water
Abstract	Koopman search theory is built on the concept of sweep width to determine the probability of detection (POD) for a target in a defined area. Turret-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagers have a high POD for targets within a narrow field of view but these devices, if used alone, severely limit effective sweep width. Lynntech proposes an infrared imager with a wide field of view which is designed to complement FLIR to increase the probability of detection for human targets in open water. The Wide-Area Infrared Imager (WAIRI) covers broad sweep widths from an aircraft at a low resolution and determines potential targets based on a phased averaging algorithm. The locations of these targets are then rapidly relayed to an FLIR which focuses on each potential target in turn to automatically determine if it is human, based on thermal signature. The combined result is a wide sweep width with a high POD. Phase I will concentrate on proof-of-concept using a commercial microbolometer array and image analysis software. A prototype WAIRI will then be constructed and tested in phase II. Potential commercial opportunities include search platforms for rescue, police, homeland security and defense applications, as well as warning systems for military aircraft.
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H-SB07.2-003
Organization	Securics, Inc.
City	Colorado Springs	State	CO
Proposal Title	FASST Multimodal Biometric Screening
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-003	Proposal ID:	0721096
Topic Title	Optimizing Remote Capture of Biometrics for Screening Processes
Abstract	Multimodal biometrics for screening presents unique challenges. The evaluation of them presents even more challenges. The Securics team is leveraging 7 years of effort and past DARPA HID funding, on unique biometric evaluation approaches for measuring and comparing failure/performance predictions. The approach models what is important for a particular task and then learning the coefficients of the reliability measures from empirical datasets. It extends our past work on Failure Analysis from Similarity Surface Theory. The learning/training allows the measures to adapt to population, sensor, and algorithm specific properties. The resulting algorithm can be applied in real time. The effort includes two unique approaches to experimentation for large-scale multi-modal evaluation of non-cooperative and adversarial subjects. <P> A second important and unique, aspect of our work has been the development of formal metrics for comparison of biometric reliability measures and fusion. While multiple papers develop quality-based measures and fusion techniques, there has been no paradigm or framework for quantitative comparison. This Phase I SBIR presents a unique opportunity to advance the state of the art both in multi-modal biometric data quality by developing a toolset in which different reliability can be quantitatively combined and compared on real data from real algorithms
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Organization	Aculight Corporation
City	Bothell	State	WA
Proposal Title	Optimizing remote capture of biometrics for screening processes
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-003	Proposal ID:	0721102
Topic Title	Optimizing Remote Capture of Biometrics for Screening Processes
Abstract	Aculight, teamed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC), will deliver a system for remote capture of biometrics for screening processes in the Phase II of this proposed work. This system will have a range in excess of 100 meters, if needed, and supply facial depth resolution of < 2 mm. This aggressive goal is enabled by the DOD investment in 3D LIDAR at LMMFC and in eye-safe fiber laser sources at Aculight. The combination of these two technologies will provide the acquisition characteristics required by the DHS and will operate night or day and in adverse weather conditions. The 3D output data will be compatible with commercial software for facial recognition and Lockheed Martins WISDOMTM system. In Phase I, Aculight will modify its PerseusTM eyesafe fiber laser product to meet DHS needs and LM will design the system changes to interface with the Aculight source and to meet DHS goals.
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Organization	AFIS and Biometrics Consulting Inc.
City	Newport Beach	State	CA
Proposal Title	Framework for Biometric Identification on the Move
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-003	Proposal ID:	0721189
Topic Title	Optimizing Remote Capture of Biometrics for Screening Processes
Abstract	We propose to develop a methodology and test and evaluation framework for optimizing the remote capture of multimodal biometrics for automated screening and identification to the practical extent possible while the individuals are on the move, walking through an automated gate or corridor at the airport or a walkway across the border. In Phase one we will establish a set of multimodal biometrics that, when applied, can establish the identity of an individual from remote biometrics measurements or touch-less capture devices. The Need: The key need is less intrusive screening with improved identification reliability or for DHS, better facilitation of travel and commerce while maintaining the total border security screening. Anticipated Benefits and Commercial Applications: The proposed framework will provide the methodology and best practice techniques to capture and integrate multimodal biometrics for various identity screening applications. These collective business rules will be the foundation for a new middleware product to optimally deploy multimodal biometrics. The development and testing of the new multimodal middleware application with remote sensing will be completed in Phase II. The proposed middleware product will address this market need and future market growth and will be the basis for our planned Phase III private funding and commercial offering success.
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H-SB07.2-004
Organization	Williams-Pyro, Inc
City	Fort Worth	State	TX
Proposal Title	Wireless, Energy-efficient, Adaptable, Robust Network (WearNet)
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-004	Proposal ID:	0721067
Topic Title	Responder - Wireless Body Area Network
Abstract	Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop a modular wireless body area network that can forward real-time information about a specific first responder from a flexible array of multiple sensors to a receiver. Our solution combines short-range, low-bandwidth wireless networking with energy-efficient routing protocols. We will uniquely integrate two wireless networks: an on-body static network of sensors that collect the physiological measurements and an off-body ad-hoc network of mobile nodes that transports these measurements to the commander’s station. Our solution is easy-to-use (lightweight and small), non-invasive, can be integrated with existing personal protective equipment, can be used in all forms of structures, not cost prohibitive, and allows responders to competitively select from various vendors with unique specialization in order to be equipped with the most appropriate sensor grouping for their job.
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Organization	Oceanit
City	Honolulu	State	HI
Proposal Title	Wireless Intelligent Sensor Platform for Emergency Responders
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-004	Proposal ID:	0721060
Topic Title	Responder - Wireless Body Area Network
Abstract	Oceanit proposes to develop a reliable, low-cost, easy-to-install, self-monitoring, and self-expanding wireless communication system to enable remote monitoring and tracking of sensors on emergency first responders in hostile environments. The heart of the system will use a Zigbee wireless mesh networking IC for low power and low cost communications. By using a wireless mesh network, low power wireless transceivers can be used because messages do not need to be transmitted directly to a central base station; rather, they can be routed around obstacles and other sources of interference. Our vision for this product is that it will become a standard requirement for emergency first responders. We intend the system to have an open interface so that new and existing sensors and devices can easily be designed to use the network. Our goal is to develop and market a practical product that will save lives.
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Organization	Aid Networks
City	Ellicott City	State	MD
Proposal Title	AIDnet:: Adaptive Intelligent Distributed Networking Platform To Support Next Generation Emergency Response
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-004	Proposal ID:	0721110
Topic Title	Responder - Wireless Body Area Network
Abstract	The recent wave of mass casualties plaguing the public safety community showed that the incident commander’s situational awareness of the first responders can be quickly and easily overwhelmed. At emergency scenes, with the overburdened first responders and unreliable communication infrastructure, the lack of accurate and timely information creates an organizational nightmare for incident commanders responsible for the wellbeing of their team. Experience from serious emergency events prompted our team to collaborate with multiple emergency response jurisdictions in the Greater Washington Capital Region to develop a self-organizing wireless body area network sensor platform, as an antidote to this pernicious situation akin to the “fog of war.” This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will prove the feasibility of creating AIDnet, a cost-effective, rapidly deployable, and reconfigurable wireless first responder monitoring solution to facilitate emergency personnel monitoring, tracking, and resource coordination. With this grant, we will create a feasibility plan for the following key enabling components of AIDnet: (1) ultra low power mote-based embedded hardware (2) distributed ad-hoc wireless communication network and (3) a software reconfigurable frameworks to enable customized body area networks.
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H-SB07.2-005
Organization	Toyon Research Corporation
City	Goleta	State	CA
Proposal Title	Secure and Reliable Wireless Communication for Control Systems
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-005	Proposal ID:	0721033
Topic Title	Secure and Reliable Wireless Communication for Control Systems
Abstract	Just as WiFi has become the de facto standard for wireless home networking, IEEE 802.15.4 is quickly becoming the standard of choice for machinery control, building monitoring, and a host of other industrial, commercial, and government control system functions. However, along with increasing popularity of this standard comes new risks in terms of cyber security. Indeed, as the wireless physical and medium access control (MAC) layers are now standard for many control systems, it is becoming easier to eavesdrop and spoof these networks. As these wireless control systems begin to be used for high-value applications, such as commuter transportation, plant automation, and traffic control, there is increasing risk of tampering. In this effort, Toyon proposes to develop a wireless control system that augments existing wireless technology in order to provide both the ease of plug-and-play sensor installation and operation as well as a high level of security. This will be provided through the use of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard operating in the 915 MHz ISM band as well as cognitive radio capability at the network layer for increasing link and overall network reliability. Both AES data encryption and two-way authentication will be used to provide data protection as well as connection verification.
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Organization	Intelligent Automation, Inc.
City	Rockville	State	MD
Proposal Title	Securing Network Access in Wireless Sensor Networks Supporting Industrial Control System
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-005	Proposal ID:	0721164
Topic Title	Secure and Reliable Wireless Communication for Control Systems
Abstract	Industrial control systems (ICSs) are crucial to the operation of the U.S. critical infrastructures, which are often highly interconnected and mutually dependent systems. With recent technological advances in wireless mesh networking technology, seamlessly integrating wireless sensors into existing plant infrastructures can enable wide monitoring and control applications, such as oil and gas, cold chain, and machine health monitoring. The flexibility and adaptability of wireless lowers the physical and cost limitations posed by wired systems. However, as ICSs are adopting IT solutions to promote corporate connectivity and remote access capabilities, and are being designed and implemented using low-cost sensor nodes, the possibility of cyber security vulnerabilities and incidents increases dramatically. In this proposal, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) and Dr. Peng Ning from North Carolina State University propose a secure network access control system that ensures authorization of communications and automatic key management among micro-electronic-mechanical sensors that are deployed in industrial control systems.
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Organization	Techno-Sciences, Inc.
City	Beltsville	State	MD
Proposal Title	Constructing Secure Control Systems using emerging Wireless Technologies
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-005	Proposal ID:	0721217
Topic Title	Secure and Reliable Wireless Communication for Control Systems
Abstract	Techno-Sciences Inc. plans to develop specific standards for security related applications for control systems and intelligent electronic devices, which can be incorporated into existing systems without interfering with control functions and disturbing their real-time nature. The proposed effort will also establish metrics to guide events to log in a control systems network. The architecture will use emerging wireless technologies which demonstrate superior performance in multipath environments with better use of the spectral bandwidth. The various innovations are required in constructing system architecture and procedures, and to create a standard which is easily and robustly implemented across various control systems making it reference for vendors and users and results in increased security of control systems. With unique set of expertise in the fields of control systems and remote monitoring through wire and wireless technologies along with its university tie-ups TSi will address all the necessary challenges in an aggressive work plan.
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H-SB07.2-006
Organization	Numerica Corporation
City	Loveland	State	CO
Proposal Title	Robust Algorithm Development for Multidimensional Chemical Analysis
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-006	Proposal ID:	0721069
Topic Title	Robust Algorithm Development for Multidimensional Chemical Analysis
Abstract	Highly reliable detection of hazardous materials is a fundamental part of homeland security. Arrays of simple sensors can provide much of the sensitivity and selectivity of sophisticated sensors, but without the substantial hardware overhead. Unfortunately, such arrays are not without their challenges. The selectivity of such arrays can be realized only if the data is first distilled using advanced signal processing algorithms. There are several standard mathematical approaches that have been applied to this processing and while these techniques are certainly applicable to a subset of the problems of interest, they are not ubiquitous in their effectiveness. We choose to attack such problems using algorithms from the stochastic state estimation and data fusion regimes since they address precisely the same type of underlying problem. These algorithms promise to be enablers of advanced multi-dimensional chemical analysis, allowing a transition of complexity from the sensor suite to the data processing algorithms while still maintaining robust sensitivity and selectivity for analytes of interest; the ability to effectively use simpler and easier to fabricate sensor suites has the direct effect of placing lighter, more robust equipment into the hands of first responders.
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Organization	Next Dimension Technologies, Inc.
City	Pasadena	State	CA
Proposal Title	Multidimensional Chemical Analysis Using Statistical-Based Alignment Algorithms
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-006	Proposal ID:	0721124
Topic Title	Robust Algorithm Development for Multidimensional Chemical Analysis
Abstract	Reliable identification of chemical hazards in multidimensional datasets is a key challenge for the deployment of effective chemical vapor detection systems. Much of the work to date has focused on, and is applicable only to, individual technologies. As new techniques are developed, many of the same data processing challenges recur. In Phase I of this project, we will conduct a feasibility study and develop a proof-of-concept software system that is applicable to multiple detection technologies and has the capability to detect low-level signals from generalized inputs. Our system is novel in that it uses a data fusion framework in which individual features are annotated with statistical measures or probabilities, and the results of various runs are combined statistically. Toward this end, we will translate several algorithms that have been successful in bioinformatic sequence analysis to the chemical analysis domain, extending them as necessary to handle richer data sets. In a Phase II continuation, we will develop a full beta version of the software and analyze data from several different technologies.
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Organization	Intelligent Automation, Inc.
City	Rockville	State	MD
Proposal Title	A Novel Peak Detection and Data Fusion Methodology for Multidimensional Chemical Analysis
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-006	Proposal ID:	0721135
Topic Title	Robust Algorithm Development for Multidimensional Chemical Analysis
Abstract	Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) proposes a novel peak detection and data fusion methodology for multidimensional chemical analysis. The proposed peak detection technique is based on Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). Its distinction from other peak detection methods is that it does not require any baseline removal or smoothing algorithms and is robust to noise. It can differentiate the signal from the spike and colored noise and the signal-to-noise ratio can be greatly enhanced. This results in significant reduction in false alarm rates. Since the number of the detected peaks in a multidimensional space may be excessively large, efficient data reduction techniques are needed so that efficient data classification techniques can be applied to a low dimensional data. Our proposed feature extraction method takes advantage of the theoretically well-founded and established data dimensionality reduction techniques. Development of efficient data classification and data fusion are two other important components in the proposed effort. We propose to develop a Maximal Entropy (ME)-based data classification approach. Different from the existing the classifiers the proposed ME-based classification approach can automatically identify unknown chemical agents of which their signatures do not exist in the database. The classification results from different multidimensional chemical analysis techniques will then be fused by an ME-based fusion algorithm. The fusion output will be a set of probabilities of the suspected material belonging to certain kinds of known chemical agents or hazardous materials.
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H-SB07.2-007
Organization	Passport Systems, Inc
City	Acton	State	MA
Proposal Title	Portable Electron Accelerator Development for Advanced SNM Interrogation and Verification Systems
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-007	Proposal ID:	0721038
Topic Title	Neutron and Photon Generators for Advanced Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Interrogation and Verification Systems
Abstract	Electron accelerators that produce continuous (DC) or continuous wave (CW) electron beams at very high repetition rates are essential for use in rapid Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence and EZ-3DTM imaging technologies. While isotopic identification of shielded materials is now possible, accelerator portability and reasonable cost of ownership are lacking for critical special nuclear material (SNM) interrogation and verification processes. With the availability of new materials, computing power, and components that were unheard of 50 years ago, an advanced betatron design is proposed to provide an affordable, high duty cycle, portable accelerator that would match the requirements of high rate individual photon counting and spectroscopy that would allow identification of SNM. Proposed is an advanced electron accelerator that operates at greater than 100X the frequency of existing betatrons, produces greater than 100X the current of existing betatrons, occupies (including power supplies) ~70 ft3, and will facilitate integration with current interrogation systems. In Phase I, we will implement the electron beam orbital dynamics and magnetic field designs. Design specifications for the Phase II small footprint prototype will be delivered in Phase I. Phase III commercialization probability for the portable, high duty cycle electron accelerator is high, with widespread interest and applications.
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Organization	Adelphi Technology, Inc.
City	San Carlos	State	CA
Proposal Title	High-Yield Pulsed Neutron Generator
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-007	Proposal ID:	0721105
Topic Title	Neutron and Photon Generators for Advanced Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Interrogation and Verification Systems
Abstract	A pulsed neutron generator is proposed for the detection of special nuclear material. A recently developed RF-excited plasma neutron generator will be pulsed to produce the activating neutrons whose pulse length is 100 microseconds with a fall time of less than 1 microsecond. High pulse repetition rates and high peak neutron yields can be otained depending upon the RF generator used. Using the T-T nuclear reaction, a novel emission geometry and an ideal acceleration voltage, the expected neutron energy will be less than 8.5 MeV to prevent the emission of interfering gamma-ray lines from other materials. In Phase I an existing neutron generator will be pulsed to produce the desired neutron-pulse time structure and a high peak yield. The present deuterium generator will be redesigned to support the safe use of tritium. The proposed system will be designed to be low cost, and mechanically and electronically robust, to ensure its wide distribution and use at ports throughout the world. Unlike penning diode sources the generator is expected to have a long lifetime. The project has a high probability of success based on the recent development by Adelphi and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of a new RF plasma neutron generator.
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Organization	PTSE, Inc.
City	Alameda	State	CA
Proposal Title	Intensity-Modulated Advanced X-ray Source (IMAXS)
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-007	Proposal ID:	0721210
Topic Title	Neutron and Photon Generators for Advanced Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Interrogation and Verification Systems
Abstract	We propose to build an Intensity-Modulated Advanced X-ray Source (IMAXS) for cargo inspection systems that allows such systems to achieve 1 to 2 inches greater penetration for dense cargo (steel or equivalent) while, on average, producing the same amount, or less, radiation. Alternatively, cargo inspection systems using the new design may opt to have the same penetration as with conventional sources, but to produce about a factor of 3 less radiation. Another objective is to significantly reduce the overall size and weight of the linear accelerator (linac) system. We will investigate the comparative feasibility and technical merits of S-band (2998 MHz) and X-band (9303 MHz) linac designs for the IMAXS. In Phase I, the optimal design characteristics will be described, essential variables will be defined, and the IMAXS design will be developed. In Phase II, at least one linac prototype will be developed and tested with a high-energy X-ray inspection system produced for cargo inspection operations: the Rapiscan Eagle System.
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Organization	Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation
City	San Leandro	State	CA
Proposal Title	A fast pulse, portable fast neutron source for special nuclear materials detection
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-007	Proposal ID:	0721001
Topic Title	Neutron and Photon Generators for Advanced Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Interrogation and Verification Systems
Abstract	Alameda Applied Sciences Corp proposes to develop a fast pulse, portable, fast neutron source to detect SNM in the field. Our source offers a 20ns neutron pulse with a repetition rate up to 1kHz. The goal is to develop a source with 1000hrs of continuous operation at 1E8 n/s. The Ph I program will demonstrate the critical features of the source including pulse width, reproducibility and neutron yield. The commercial goal is to develop a replacement to existing neutron tube sources for applications that benefit from a fast neutron pulse.
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Organization	Applied Nanotech, Inc.
City	Austin	State	TX
Proposal Title	CNT-Based D2 Ion Source for Improved Neutron and Photon Generator
Topic Number	H-SB07.2-007	Proposal ID:	0721056
Topic Title	Neutron and Photon Generators for Advanced Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Interrogation and Verification Systems
Abstract	The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) requires non-intrusive radiation detection equipment to identify special nuclear materials (SNM). Preferred neutron sources for the detection of SNM should have narrow pulse width, low source neutron energy, high yield and be based on non-radioactive materials. Applied Nanotech, Inc. (ANI) proposes to develop a novel field ionization technology to produce the deuterium ion (D+) current for a neutron source, enabling fast switching, high repetition rate and high yields. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) possess two unique characteristics suited to this application; they have inherent hydrogen storage capacity and can be used as electron sources for e-beam applications including field emission and field ionization. Phase I will include a proof of concept demonstration of neutron generation capability. The CNT ion source will enhance the performance of a field emission design for a compact high flux neutron source previously developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The anticipated higher performance relative to existing generators will create dual use market opportunities in commercial, DOD, and homeland security applications. Although this program will focus on developing a neutron source, alternative configurations will yield a photon generator that will also be useful for DNDO applications.
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