DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
AND
SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM
FY 2006 PHASE I AWARDS BY TOPIC
TOPIC: RESEARCH TO SUPPORT PROLIFERATION DETECTION
STTR Project
Aerodyne Research, Inc. Research Institute:
45 Manning Road Rice University
Billerica, MA 01821-3976
Project: Broadly Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser Technology for Remote Sensing
Advanced laser light sources are needed to better remotely detect chemicals associated with nuclear proliferation, and other dangerous or polluting chemicals. This project will further develop a method to widely tune a new type of solid state laser, so that many chemicals can be detected with a single instrument.
Daylight Solutions, Inc. Tunable Infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers for
13029 Danielson Street Active Electro-Optical Remote Sensing
Suite 203
Poway, CA 92064-8809
A high power tunable mid-infrared laser based on quantum cascade materials will be designed and built. This laser will be miniaturized and field-ready for a host of new applications that involve either detection of airborne chemicals or diagnostic imaging.
NOVA Scientific, Inc. High Detection Efficiency, Solid State
Sturbridge Technology Park MicroFiber Neutron Detector
10 Picker Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566-1251
This project will assemble and demonstrate a highly efficient, thermal neutron detector for identification of the presence and location of nuclear materials. The system will provide much needed capabilities for monitoring clandestine materials location and movement.
Neutron Sciences, Inc. Gamma-Free Neutron Detector Based Upon
1256 Lovell View Drive Lithium Phosphate Nanoparticles
Knoxville, TN 37932-2592
This project will duplicate an ORNL process to manufacture lithium-6 phosphate nanoparticles to test the feasibility of manufacturing lithinated plastic panels (i.e., plastic pajels containing the Lithium-6 phosphate nanoparticles) at startup companies located close to ORNL. The lithinated panels should find application in neutron detectors for monitoring the transport of nuclear fuel from power plants in the U.S. and Russia and at U.S. ports of entry.
Nu-Trek Solid State Neutron Detector
16428 Avenida Florencia
Poway, CA 92064
This project will develop miniature neutron detectors for homeland security applications. The detectors will be so small that they can easily be incorporated in cell phones, wristwatches, and hand-held equipment for use by military, first responders, and the general public.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. New, Bright, High Resolution Scintillators
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
The proposed research will investigate a promising nuclear detector material which will have major impact in scientific studies, medical imaging, nuclear non-proliferation, homeland defense, oil exploration as well as industrial applications.
Technical Research Associates, Inc. Software Tools for Full Spectrum Analysis of
3602 Woodlawn Drive Hyperspectral Data
Honolulu, HI 96822
The purpose of this research is to improve the capability of detecting weapons of mass destruction using hyperspectral sensors. This research extends the current capability to take full advantage of the whole spectrum.
Wheels of Zeus, Inc. (wOz) Sensor Fusion for Nuclear Proliferation
400 Blossom Hill Road Detection
Los Gatos, CA 95032-4511
The goal of this project is to develop techniques to couple distributed radiation measurements with overhead imagery to help detect and characterize activity patterns that indicate nuclear proliferation. The tools for clandestine radiation measurements and computer-assisted site monitoring developed under this proposal will support intelligence and imagery programs by dramatically increasing analysis sophistication and efficiency.
TOPIC: RESEARCH TO SUPPORT NUCLEAR EXPLOSION MONITORING
International Scientific Technologies, Inc. Incorporation of Metallic Nanoparticles in
P.O. Box 757 Lightweight Composite Materials for
Dublin, VA 24084 Radiation Shielding in Space-Based
Monitoring of Nuclear Explosions
Satellites, which the United States uses to help detect nuclear explosions, can be destroyed or seriously damaged by radiation given off from the explosion. This project proposes to develop novel composite materials for adding lightweight shielding to the satellites to protect the electronic instrumentation from nuclear radiation.
Mainstream Engineering Corporation Nanostructured Composites for
200 Yellow Place Space-Bound Housings
Rockledge, FL 32955-5327
This technology incorporates the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes into the next generation composite materials. These unique composites will be lighter than any metal but still be very strong and able to conduct heat and electricity.
Materials Modification, Inc. Lightweight Composites for Radiation
2721-D Merrilee Drive Shielded Satellite Payloads
Fairfax, VA 22031-4429
A novel lightweight composite will be developed with excellent radaition shielding characteristics combined with good mechanical properties and thermal and electrical conductivity.
Materials Modification, Inc. Lightweight Radiation Shielding Composites
2721-D Merrilee Drive for NEM R&E Satellites
Fairfax, VA 22031-4429
A novel fiber reinforced plastic will be developed that will have properties of thermal and radiation resistance and electrical conductance to be used in fabricating satellite components such as electromechanical housings and other structural parts.
Mirmar-Quantum Joint Venture Development of an HPXe-Based Nuclear
1072 Longwood Drive Explosion Monitor
Woodstock, GA 30189-1556
Recently developed High Pressure Xenon (HPXe) detectors now provide a rugged, high-resolution room-temperature detector for radionuclide identification by gamma ray analysis. HPXe detectors will be applied to development of simpler, more reliable nuclear explosion monitors, and are candidates for numerous field monitoring applications in homeland security, nuclear safeguards, nuclear plant operations, industrial and environmental monitoring.
SpaceWorks, Inc. Advanced Composite Enclosures
7301 E. Sundance Trail
P.O. Box 2014
Carefree, AZ 85253-2014
This project will increase the efficiency of the Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System (NDS) by reducing mass and volume of the system through transitioning components from traditional aluminum to advanced graphite-epoxy composites and multifunctional composites. The resource savings may be used to increase the efficiency and flexibility of the overall nuclear monitoring mission or reduce the effective cost of the system.
TOPIC: SECOND GENERATION, HIGH TEMPERATURE
SUPERCONDUCTING COATED CONDUCTORS
AMBP Tech Corporation Nano-Engineered High Current Density YBCO
275 Cooper Avenue Superconducting Wires
Suite 112
Tonawanda, NY 14150-6643
This proposed effort will develop the processes necessary to achieve high current superconductor wires at a cost efficiency advantageous to update the outdated power grid system with this environmentally friendly technology.
American Superconductor Corporation Multifunctional Buffer Layers for 2G Wire by
Two Technology Drive Low-Cost Solution Deposition
Westborough, MA 01581
This project will develop a novel manufacturing technology that will reduce the manufacturing cost of second generation high temperature superconductor wire currently being developed for broad commercial, military and national security applications, including ehancing the efficiency and security of the electric power grid. This manufacturing cost advantage will also help Amercian industry maintain its technical and commercial leadership position in this rapidly emerging high technology industry.
Metal Oxide Technologies Inc. (MetOx) Enhancement of Coated Conductor
8807 Emmott Road Performance by Increasing Pinning in Thick
Suite 100 YBCO Films
Houston, TX 77040-3532
This project will develop a low cost process to greatly increase the current carrying of high temperature superconducting wires leading to new high field magnet possibilities for the Department of Energy, and to new commercial markets for high temperature superconductors.
Metal Oxide Technologies Inc. (MetOx) Development of Single Buffer Layer for
8807 Emmott Road Coated Conductors by MOCVD Process
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77040-3532
This project will greatly reduce both the production time and the complexity of high temperature superconducting wires leading to new high power device possibilities and to new commercial markets for high temperature superconductors.
Structured Materials Industries, Inc. High Current Capacity YBa2Cu3Ox Coated
201 Circle Drive North Conductors
Suite 102-103
Piscataway, NJ 08854-3723
High temperature conductors (HTS) offer the benefits of superconductivity at much more easily achieved cryogenic temperatures. This effort will develop technology to make high-performance HTS materials cheaper and more readily available, for Federally-funded projects as well as a variety of other scientific, military and commercial applications.
Tai-Yang Research Company Novel HTS Magnet Technology
9112 Farrell Park Lane
Knoxville, TN 37922-8525
This project is to develop a novel fabrication process for the development of a new type of superconducting magnet. The superconducting wire will have applications potential in commercial and military devices including: fault-current-limiters, nuclear magnetic resonance, accelerator magnets, cables, motors, and generators. If technically viable, the new magnet technology will surpass any other fabrication process using bulk materials.
UES, Inc. High Performance, Simplified, Low-Cost
4401 Dayton-Xenia Road Buffer Layer for Coated Conductor
Dayton, OH 45432-1894
This project proposes to develop a multifunctional single layer buffer that can substitute 3-5 layers currently being used for coated conductor development. The proposed new process will lead to the development of low-cost coated conductor for electric power, motor, generators and magnet applications.
TOPIC: CRYOGENIC TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERCONDUCTORS
Clever Fellows Innovation Cost-Effective Acoustic-Stirling Cryocooler
Consortium, Inc. (CFIC-Qdrive) with Flexibly Attached Remote Coldhead
302 Tenth Street
Troy, NY 12180-1617
A high-capacity, multi-use cryocooler is proposed to meet the Department of Energy goals in efficiency, reliability, and cost for cooling commercial superconducting cables and transformers in the electric power industry. Proposed Phase I effort will extend existing small prototype to a full-scale design, with detailed cost and reliability analysis, and test plan for proof in full-scale hardware.
Infinia Corporation Large Capacity, Multi-Cylinder Cryocooler
6811 W. Okanogan Place for High Temperature Superconductor (HTS)
Kennewick, WA 99336-1743 Applications
This project will apply a recent technological breakthrough in Stirling cycle machines to develop a compact, high-efficiency, extremely reliable cryogenic cooling system that fills a critical void of support equipment needed for high-temperature superconductor applications, such as high-efficiency power generation and transmission.
TOPIC: ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES
EnerNex Corporation Standard Data Exchanges for Distribution
170C Market Place Boulevard System Management
Knoxville, TN 37922-2337
An international standard format for electric power distribution system data forms the basis for a set of data translation software modules, allowing different utility software systems to work together. The translation modules will be open source, so that anyone can write new modules, and this lowers market entry barriers to university researchers and small businesses.
EnerNex Corporation Distribution System State Estimation
170C Market Place Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37922-2337
A new software product enables the result of advanced research, in the areas of load modeling and forecasting, to be directly adopted at electric utilities. The added value lies in support for large data sets, and customization for each utility.
FieldMetrics Inc. A Low-Cost Modular Optical Voltage Sensor
13352 82nd Avenue for Power Transmission Applications
Seminole, FL 33776-3126
A low cost, modular, self-powered optical voltage sensor is proposed that is suitable for widespread deployment across the electric utility grid to improve efficiency and reliability of the nation’s power system.
Techno-Sciences, Inc. State Estimation for Modern Electric
10001 Derekwood Lane Distribution Systems
Suite 204
Lanham, MD 20706-4864
A new mathematical abstraction is introduced that captures comprehensively the phenomenon occuring in electric distribution systems that allows a systematic look at estimation of variable that are important to power distribution control. This paradigm allows the best estimates to be computed rapidly. The project plans to develop these computational tools and ways to implement them in realistic scenarios for reliable, real-time utility management.
Williams-Pyro, Inc. Standard Data Exchanges for Distribution
200 Greenleaf Street System Management
Fort Worth, TX 76107
To support the Department of Energy’s “Grid 2030” vision, this project will create a software program to allow electrical utilities across the U.S. to share vital electrical information. As a web-based system, this solution will allow electrical transmission and distribution centers to translate electrical data from one proprietary software format into another.
TOPIC: DECONTAMINATION AND DECOMMISSIONING OF FACILITIES
IN THE DOE COMPLEX
AJJER, LLC High Sensitivity, Low Cost Fluorescence
4541 East Fort Lowell Road Detection for Beryllium Particulates
Tucson, AZ 85712-1108
The unique properties of beryllium have lead to many applications ranging from the aersopace and nuclear industry to manufacturing and electronics. Unfortuanately, beryllium is a Class A EPA carcinogen and when inhaled into the lungs can cause the incurable and potentially fatal lung disease, chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Therefore, the monitoring of beryllium in occuptional environments is of vital importance. This project is targeted towards an improvement of a low-cost fluorescence technique to increase its detection limit by 10 fold, to increase worker safety and comfort.
Lynntech, Inc. Electrokinetic Process for D&D of Concrete
7607 Eastmark Drive Structures
Suite 102
College Station, TX 77840-4027
This technology will greatly impact the remediation problem that the DOE faces by saving billions of dollars and time, while providing an easy-to-use system that can be implemented quickly and safely. The proposed electrokinetic process will minimize dangers associated with remediation of such hazardous wastes in the defined facilities and will prevent workers and residents in surrounding areas from becoming exposed to potential health risks that are common when performing convential D&D.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. Low-Cost SSPM-Based Digital Radiation
44 Hunt Street Monitor
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
The solid state photomultiplier-based detector is the basis for a new generation of low-cost nuclear sensors. This project will develop the technology for an improved, high sensitivity detector.
STTR Project
Vista Engineering Technologies, LLC Research Institue:
8203 W. Quinault Avenue Idaho National Laboratory
Building C, Suite 200
Kennewick, WA 99336-7117
Project: Fixation of Radionuclide Contamination in Ductwork Using Advanced Fogging Formulations
This project will develop a cost-effective fixadent that could be applied to the inside of ductwork to eliminate airborne releases of contamination (e.g., both radioactive and non-radioactive) during the demolition of facilities, or when modifications are being made to existing ductwork systems.
TOPIC: MEASUREMENT/MONITORING AND CHARACTERIZATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENT
Akonni Biosystems, Inc. Field Portable Gel Element Arrays for
9702 Woodfield Court Microbial Community Profiling in Subsurface
New Market, MD 21774 Sediments and Groundwater
This project will result in a credit card-sized environmental diagnostic for monitoring bacteria in subsurface sediments and aquifers. The bacteria of interest include those that are important in rendering Department of Energy contaminants (toxic metals and pollutants) harmless to human health and the environment.
STTR Project
Burge Environmental, Inc. Research Institute:
6100 South Maple Avenue Battelle Memorial Institute
Suite 114
Tempe, AZ 85283-2872
Project: In-Situ Analytical System for Remote Determination of 90Sr Flux Through the Aquifer
The development of remote automated analytical systems for environmental monitoring and remediation efforts will increase our knowledge of the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. Such a system enables a higher frequency of data collection without the additional costs associated with logistics, labor, transportation and off-site analytical services.
STTR Project
Vista Engineering Technologies, LLC Research Institute:
8203 W. Quinault Avenue Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory Building C, Suite 200
Kennewick, WA 99336-7117
Project: Imaging the Stratigraphy Around a CPT Penetration Using a Combined ERT and CPT Method
This project will develop a cost-effective, remote sensing approach for determining the subsurface stratigraphy around a borehole in support of characterization and flow and transport calculations which will significantly benefit remediation efforts. The type of information obtained has the potential to save millions of dollars and significantly reduce the time in cleanup efforts throughout the nation.
TOPIC: GENOMES TO LIFE AND RELATED BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Genomatica, Inc. A Computational Framework for Interpreting
5405 Morehouse Drive Metabolomics Data
Suite 210
San Diego, CA 92121-4722
This project seeks to establish a software platform for the development of computer models for the simulation of bacterial metabolism. These models will become valuable tools for improving our understanding of energy-related biological processes, and harnessing the metabolic potential of these organisms to address issues of energy production, carbon fixation, and bioremediation.
Nanobiosym, Inc Commercial High Resolution Optical
200 Boston Avenue Tweezers Packages for Single
Suite 4700 Macromolecule Analysis and Control
Medford, MA 02155
This project will develop the latest advances in optical tweezers technology, which is a tool that utilizes laser light to manipulate and/or characterize the behavior of tiny particles, such as single molecules of DNA or enzymes. By developing this technology into a user-friendly package, it will be possible for more researchers to detect and study events occurring in biological systems at the molecular level.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. High-Throughput Single Molecule Analysis
44 Hunt Street Instrument
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
An instrument will be built to study single biomolecules for high throughput screening in drug development, in genetic screening and medical research.
TOPIC: ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY
Aculight Corporation Eye-Safe, UV BackScatter Lidar for Detection
11805 North Creek Parkway South of Sub-Visual Cirrus
Suite 113
Bothell, WA 98011-8803
A lidar system is proposed for the study of subvisual cirrus, a type of atmospheric formation with great implication on climate change. An advanced laser technology is proposed to increase the capability of the lidar by 50 times, for comparable cost, size and complexity.
Aerodyne Research, Inc. CAPS-Based Particle Single Scattering
45 Manning Road Albedo Monitor
Billerica, MA 01821-3976
Ambient atmospheric aerosols generated through human activities can exert an influence on the earth’s radiation budget (and thus the 'greenhouse effect') comparable in magnitude with greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. This device will enable scientists to measure critical optical properties of such aerosols in a routine fashion.
Aerodyne Research, Inc. Temperature Programmed Thermal Desorption
45 Manning Road Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (TPTDAMS) for
Billerica, MA 01821-3976 Determining Organic Aerosol Composition
Small airborne particles generated from energy-related activities can directly or indirectly (by gas-to-particle conversion chemistry) adversely impact visibility, acid rain, global climate and human health. We propose to develop an instrument with unique capabilities for measuring organic particulate matter, including real-time measurements of chemical composition.
NovaWave Technologies, Inc. Real-Time, Ultrasensitive Ammonia Sensor
900 Island Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065-5150
The proposed instrument is intended to serve as a continuous in-situ monitor of ammonia gas at the trace level. The availability of low cost instrumentation would enable a network of ammonia point sensors to be established for both industrial pollution monitoring as well as detailed atmospheric studies.
Physical Optics Corporation Refractometric Porous Polymeric Ammonia
Photonic Systems Division Sensor
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance, CA 90501-1821
A new, fast, and cost effective sensor technology will be developed for fast measurement of ammonia to promote a pollution-free enegry production strategy.
Physical Sciences Inc. Field-Worthy UV Backscatter Lidar for
20 New England Business Center Cirrus Studies
Andover, MA 10810-1077
Social policy decisions relating to climate change are based on computational models of global climate change. Predictions based on these models rely on the accuracy of measurements of key components of the atmosphere. The knowledge base regarding cirrus clouds is presently insufficient to the needs of these models; this program will develop and demonstrate a new sensor for the accurate measurement of the occurrence of these clouds.
ProSensing, Inc. High-Power, Pod-Mounted W-band Cloud
107 Sunderland Road Radar for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Amherst, MA 01002-1098
This project involves the design of a high sensitivity radar system for mapping cloud properties from remotely piloted aircraft. Data gathered with this system will provide improved understanding of the role of clouds in global climate change.
TOPIC: MEDICAL SCIENCES
Lynntech, Inc. Implantable Biofuel Cell
7607 Eastmark Drive
Suite 102
College Station, TX 77840-4027
There is a tremendous need for non-photovoltaic power sources for implantable devices, to replace the current batteries as their replacement requires surgery. The unique solution lies in using the human blood (glucose and oxygen) to power those devices (via a biofuel cell) either individually, through connection in series or just as complementary power supply to continuously recharge a battery.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. A Fast, High Gain Photodetector for PET
44 Hunt Street
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
This project will demonstrate the feasibility of applying the new solid state detectors towards positron emission tomography imaging. The proposed photodetector will be built and then coupled to scintillation crystals. The performance of such detector modules will be evaluated. Energy and timing resolution studies will be conducted.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. A Dual Modality Imaging System for Small
44 Hunt Street Animal Imaging
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
This project will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed imaging system. Specifically, we will design and build positron emission tomography (PET) detector modules that can be operated inside a small animal magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Effect of both PET and MR detectors on each other will be analyzed.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. Novel, Needle-Shapred Scintillator for
44 Hunt Street Emission Transmission Tomography
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
The scintillator developments proposed will allow exploiting the full potential of the current state-of-the-art x-ray/gamma-ray detectors used in medical imaging, x-ray scanning equipment at the airports and border control, and in small animal research which is so important for the developments of new drugs.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. Bright Low Persistance Scintillator for
44 Hunt Street Radionuclide/X-Ray Imaging
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
The CsI(Tl) scintillator is widely used in many important medical and non-medical imaging applications. Material modifications proposed will allow its use in radionuclide imaging, high speed CT scanners for medical imaging, scanners used in homeland security applications etc. This will significantly enhance the performance of these important imaging modalities, while substantially reducing their cost.
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. An Efficient, Solid State Detector for Nuclear
44 Hunt Street Medicine
Watertown, MA 02472-4699
This project will demonstrate the feasibility of applying the new solid state detectors towards small animal imaging. Single crystals of the proposed material will be grown and the detector performance will be evaluated. Energy and timing resolution studies will be conducted.
Technology Assessment and Transfer, Inc. Polycrystalline LuAlO3:Ce Scintillators for
133 Defense Highway PET Applications
Suite 212
Millersville, MD 21401
This project will reduce the cost and improve the resolution of an important medical imaging technology, positron emission tomography. It will attempt to improve the properties and reduce the cost of a key component of these devices, the scintillators. The project will reduce the development cycle time by using an innovative approach to evaluating new scintillator compositions.
TOPIC: CARBON CYCLE MEASUREMENTS OF THE
ATMOSPHERE AND THE BIOSPHERE
STTR Project
Aerodyne Research, Inc. Research Institute:
45 Manning Road Harvard University
Billerica, MA 01821-3976
Project: A Low Cost, Absolute Ambient Carbon Dioxide Monitor
The proposed instrument will measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmoshpere with higher accuracy and at lower cost. These measurements are required at thousands of sites around the World to improve our understanding of the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide and to thereby clarify the role of carbon dioxide in global climate change.
Atmospheric Observing Systems, Inc. Calibration and Verification Instrumentation
1930 Central Avenue for the International (WMO) Scale of Dry
Suite A Mole Fraction
Boulder, CO 80301
Manmade climate change is a growing concern for all industrialized nations. This project will develop a suite of instrumentations that will aid scientists in their attempts to predict climate change and to reveal the opportuntites for adaptation to it.
Eltron Research Inc. Carbon Dioxide Sensor for Atmospheric
4600 Nautilus Court South Monitoring
Boulder, CO 80301-3241
A low-cost and lightweight instrument will be developed for performing accurate carbon dioxide monitoring. Measurements can be used to assess potential ecological, social, and economic implications of human-induced climatic changes caused by this greenhouse gas.
InnoSense, LLC Ormosil Nanocomposite-Based Unattended,
2531 West 237th Street Field-Deployable and Reversible Optical
Suite 127 Sensor for Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Torrance, CA 90505-5245
This project proposes to develop a robust sensor for monitoring carbon cycle measurement activities at an affordable cost.
Los Gatos Research Lightweight, High-Precision Instrument for
67 East Evelyn Avenue Balloon Sonde CO2 Measurements
Suite 3
Mountain View, CA 94041
This project proposes to develop a small, low-power, inexpensive and rugged instrument based on absorption spectroscopy to measure CO2 in the atmosphere onboard balloon sondes with unprecedented precision. The instrument may be applied for detailed studies of the troposphere, tropopause and stratosphere to quantitatively determine the sources and sinks of carbon in the environment.
NovaWave Technologies, Inc. Real-Time Infrared Greenhouse Gas Sensor
900 Island Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065-5150
This project seeks to develop compact, low-cost, and highly reliable trace gas sensors. These sensors are presently required for improving our understanding of global climate change, for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, and for a variety of industrial process control applications.
&n