U.S. Department of Energy
Small Business Innovation Research and
Small Business Technology Transfer Program
FY 2007 Phase I - Awards by State
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Masschusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Alabama Cryogenic Engineering, Inc. Reducing the Effective Filament Diameter of
2010F Franklin Street Niobium-Tin Superconductors
Huntsville, AL 35804-2470
Niobium
Tin superconductors have had large improvements in current density over the past
few years. However, the effective filament diameters of these conductors are too
large, and this can limit their application in certain areas. This
project will develop an alternate technology, hydrostatic drawing, that
removes these limits and will be capable of producing multi-filament
superconductors with much smaller effective filament diameters.
STTR Project
Renewable Oil International LLC Production of Home Heating Oils and
3115 Northington Court Upgraded Bio-oils by Aqueous-Phase
Suite 145 Catalytic Processing of Bio-oils Produced
Florence, AL 35630 from Fast Pyrolysis of Woody Biomass
The project will
produce liquid biofuels from wood biomass resources by fast pyrolysis followed
by upgrading of the pyrolysis oils. This
research will be a key step towards ending global warming, improving national
security, and improving rural economies by reducing our dependence on petroleum
feedstocks.
Mesolight, LLC High-Efficiency and Less Expensive
1764 N Leverett #263 Nanocrystal-Based Scintillator
Fayetteville, AR 72703
This project will develop high efficiency and less expensive nanocomposite scintillators, based upon nanocrystals embedded in transparent polymer matrices.
Nanomaterials and Nanofabrication Improved Light Extraction Efficiencies
Laboratories (NN-Labs, LLC) of White pc-LEDs for SSL by using Non-Toxic,
PO Box 2168 Non-Scattering, Bright, and Stable Doped
Fayetteville, AR 72702-2168 ZnSe Quantum Dot Nanophosphors
This project will
develop novel non-toxic doped-semiconductor nanophosphors to improve the energy
efficiency of high brightness white light emitting diodes (LEDs) for general
illumination applications. The
nationwide energy cost savings for lighting in buildings alone could reach into
the billions of dollars annually and provide an environmental benign alternative
to fluorescent lamps which contain mercury vapor.
STTR Project
Burge Environmental, Inc. In-situ Monitoring of the Radioactive
6100 South Maple Avenue Contaminant Tc-99 in Groundwater Using
Suite 114 a Reagentless Equilibrium-based Sensor
Tempe, AZ 85283-2872
A field-deployable
monitoring system for the cost-effective and rapid determination of radioactive
substances in the groundwater at federal sites. The development of the system
will decrease the future cost of site remediation.
Diversified Energy Corporation HydroMax - Overcoming the Challenges
2020 W. Guadalupe Road of Industrial Coal Gasification
Suite 5
Gilbert, AZ 85233
HydroMax, an
advanced breakthrough coal gasification approach, promises to provide an
economical source of fuel for the industrial sector, accounting for more than
30% of natural gas consumption. This project will perform
technical and economic feasibility analyses, laboratory testing, and
requirements definition of the HydroMax process for industrial applications.
STTR Project
MER Corporation (Materials and Microchannel Magnetic Coolers with
Electrochemical Research) Negative Magnetocaloric Effect
7960 South Kolb Road
Tucson, AZ 85706-9237
Combination of novel magnetocaloric materials, design and technology will lead to the development of lightweight, compact, and low cost cooling devices.
NP Photonics, Inc. Spontaneous Brillouin Scattering
9030 S. Rita Road, Suite 120 Temperature/Strain Sensors for CICC
Tucson, AZ 85747-9102 Superconductors
This project will
use spontaneous Brillouin backscattering in fiber for simultaneous
spatially-resolved temperature and strain determination in real time in
cryogenics, which is achieved by measuring the Brillouin frequency shift and the
gain bandwidth simultaneously. The
real-time distributed sensor provides the intermediate tools for
superconductivity quench detection in large superconducting magnets, which can
be widely used in large facilities, such as power plants, particle accelerators,
and plasma fusion confinement systems. In addition, the proposed real-time
distributed temperature/stain sensor can also provide the capability of advance
warnings, and eventually generating countermeasures that minimize the effects of
terrorism, or natural and accidental event.
Ridgetop Group, Inc Radiation Hardened High Performance ADC
6595 N Oracle Road, 153
Tucson, AZ 85704
This project will
develop a high speed data conversion component for use in critical experiments.
Novel architectures that provide high speed data conversion and consume
low power will support portable consumer electronic devices such as video
display converters and imaging arrays.
STTR Project
Add-Vision, Inc. Materials Degradation Analysis and
1600 Green Hills Road Development to Enable Ultra Low Cost,
Suite 100 Web-Processed White P-OLED for SSL
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
This
project will develop new technologies for ultra low cost printing of specialty
solid state lighting in thin, flexible and robust forms. By identifying the
degradation mechanisms of the light-emitting organic materials of this approach
and developing targeted solutions, this project will bring this technology to
products using U.S.-based manufacturing.
Adelphi Technology Inc. Neutron Compound Refractive Prisms
981-B Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
The proposed neutron compound refractive prism will separate neutrons by wavelength and spin. This device combines the functions of a monochromator and polarizer, and will deliver more narrowband, polarized neutron intensity than existing devices at far less cost and complexity. The device aids materials analysis, non-destructive testing, crystallography (for proteomics and genomics), and the analysis of magnetic films used in information storage technology.
STTR Project
Adelphi Technology Inc. High-Energy Gamma-Ray Calibration Source
981-B Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
The proposed device will permit the accurate calibration of gamma-ray detectors used in national and international nuclear safeguard programs to identify radioactive sources and nuclear material. The device will be portable, self-contained and will reduce the need for radioactive sources, which are currently used for the calibration of these detectors.
Aegis Technology Inc. A High-temperature Sealing
3300 A Westminster Technology for Gas Separation Devices
Santa Ana, CA 92703
This project will develop a reliable, high temperature seal material for gas separation devices needed in a variety of advanced energy systems. The reliable, high-temperature seals, in addition to their use in energy conversion/power generation systems, should have numerous applications in gas separation and purification (e.g. oxygen for medical and semiconductor use, hydrogen for chemical reactors and as an on-board fuel), chemical reactors (e.g., for the economical upgrading of low-grade fuels), and energy conversion devices (fuel cells).
STTR Project
Aegis Technology Inc. High Efficiency, Cost Effective Thermoelectric
3300 A Westminster Materials/Devices for Industrial Process
Santa Ana, CA 92703 Refrigeration and Waste Heat Recovery
High-efficiency,
cost-effective thermoelectric materials/devices for industrial process
refrigeration and waste heat recovery will significantly save the large amount
of energy used for a variety of cooling, and reduce the use of refrigerants that
contribute significantly to the global warming.
Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation Enhanced Plasma Throughput for
626 Whitney Street Superconducting Niobium Thin Film
San Leandro, CA 94577-1116 Deposition in RF Accelerator Cavities
This project will
further develop the CED™ process for coating the inside of copper RF
accelerator cavities with high-quality niobium films.
This technology will allow high-energy particle accelerators that are
used for fundamental physics research to achieve higher energy at lower cost
than present designs.
Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation Flexible Environmental Barrier
626 Whitney Street Technology for OLEDs
San Leandro, CA 94577-1116
This project seeks to develop improved moisture barriers for increased lifetimes for flexible OLED lighting. The public benefits of a viable OLED display industry are due to the revolutionary transformation in energy efficiency as the U.S. gradually shifts to LED and OLED-based lighting.
Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation Low Temperature MgB2 Deposition for SRF
626 Whitney Street
San Leandro, CA 94577-1116
The
cost of superconducting large particle accelerators like the ILC is greater than
$6 billion of which nearly $300 million is superconducting materials. If
lower cost, higher temperature superconductors like magnesium diboride can be
implemented, a cost savings of 10× could be realized.
Altex Technologies Corporation Efficient Dewatering System for Biomass
244 Sobrante Way
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
The project will
develop a lower-cost way to remove water from biomass, sludge and other
materials. The process will promote the use of biomass fuel in power generation,
reducing drying costs by $480 million/year, and greenhouse gas emissions by 50
million tons/year.
Altex Technologies Corporation Low Cost Microchannel Heat Exchangers
244 Sobrante Way
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Under the Phase I
project, the innovative microchannel heat exchanger will be designed.
Compact, lightweight and low cost microchannel heat exchangers will
facilitate and reduce costs for many industrial processes, which currently rely
on large and heavy heat exchangers.
STTR Project
American Biodiesel, Inc. dba Efficient Processing of Algal
Community Fuels Bio-Oils for Biodiesel Production
336 Encinitas Boulevard
Suite 130
Encinitas, CA 92023
This
project will investigate cost and energy effective processes for making
biodiesel from bio-oils produced by algae. Benefits
include job creation, reduced environmental and health impacts associated with
petroleum diesel emissions, less reliance on foreign oil, and a more diverse
energy portfolio necessary for national energy security and future economic
growth.
STTR Project
Anabas, Inc. Enhanced Collaborative Visualization
440 Davis Court for the Fusion Community
Suite 1316
San Francisco, CA 94111
Fusion energy is
being developed by nationally and internationally distributed teams that require
new powerful tools to share in real-time the data needed to control experiments
at expensive fusion facilities. This project will develop the needed interactive
control environment that leverages approaches with sustainable commercial bases
in science and digital entertainment.
Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. A 200 kW, 350 MHz Inductive Output
690 Port Drive Tube for RF Accelerators
San Mateo, CA 94404-1010
This
project will investigate fundamental mode and higher order mode (HOM) IOTs for
potential accelerator applications. Successful
development of multiple beam inductive output tubes will demonstrate a new, high
efficiency source for many high power RF applications. The device is simpler,
more efficient, and less expensive then current devices.
Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. Fundamental Power Coupler Using
690 Port Drive Overmoded Waveguide Technology for
San Mateo, CA 94404-1010 Superconducting Cavities
This program will
develop new power coupler technology for the ILC. The technology developed will
significantly advance the state-of-the-art
in coupler design and be applicable to many world-wide
accelerator projects.
Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. A 30 MW, 200 MHz Inductive Output
690 Port Drive Tube for RF Accelerators
San Mateo, CA 94404-1010
A
fundamental mode (FM) multiple beam (MB) inductive output tube (IOT) is a
candidate RF source to provide this power. The FM MB IOT offers compactness and
improved efficiency. This program will generate designs for all major tube
components. Successful development
of multiple beam inductive output tubes will demonstrate a new, high efficiency
source for many high power RF applications.
DULY Research Inc. Beatwave Photoinjector as THz Source
1912 MacArthur Street
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-1111
This project aims at the development of a new, compact, Terahertz radiation source for myriad applications. The commercial goal is to deliver an effective tool for smaller labs and businesses in biology, solid-state physics, superconductivity, environment monitoring, homeland security, defense, communication, and medicine.
FAR-TECH, Inc. X-ray Monitoring Tool for Optimizing
3550 General Atomics Court Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources
MS 15-155
San Diego, CA 92121
This project will
develop a diagnostic tool that will decrease the cost of operating sources of
highly charged ions that are used in nuclear physics research as well as
industrial applications.
FAR-TECH, Inc. Spent Nuclear Fuel Separation With
3550 General Atomics Court the Archimedes Plasma Mass Filter
MS 15-155
San Diego, CA 92121
This project
proposes to explore the feasibility of using the Archimedes Plasma Mass Filter
to augment chemical processing of spent nuclear fuel, thereby potentially
reducing the cost and environmental impact of recycling nuclear fuel.
FAR-TECH, Inc. The Influence of Non-Ideal Effects
3550 General Atomics Court on Instablility an Plasma Dynamics
MS 15-155 of Current Carrying Plasma
San Diego, CA 92121
Z-pinches are
cost-effective and efficient; converting stored electrical energy directly into
plasma energy and generating much higher confining magnetic fields than can be
externally imposed. Their simple linear geometry, yet only partly understood
behavior, makes them an attractive challenge both for basic plasma physics and
for industrial applications.
Fetch Technologies, Inc. Relevance Ranking of Documents Using
2041 Rosecrans Avenue Relations and Text
Suite 245
El Segundo, CA 90245
We propose here to
develop technology to provide researcher-friendly metasearch results of textual
knowledge-bases. If successful, this project will improve text retrieval
technologies in domains where documents are networked in meaningful ways.
Genomatica, Inc. Development of Saccharomyces
5405 Morehouse Drive Cerevisiae Strains for Continuous
Suite 210 Bioprocessing at Low pH
San Diego, CA 92121
This
project will create microbial strains and processes for synthesizing several
commodity chemicals, and will demonstrate a general framework for the
development of superior bioprocessing technology. Ultimately, such bio-based
processes using renewable feedstocks could replace petrochemical processes for
these chemicals.
Geomatrix Consultants, Inc. Accounting for Model Uncertainties
2101 Webster Street Using Reliability Methods -
12th Floor Application to Carbon Dioxide
Oakland, CA 94612-3027 Geologic Sequestration System
This project will
develop an efficient and accurate numerical code for assessing uncertainty
associated with prediction of various subsurface conditions, such as carbon
sequestration, groundwater remediation, aquifer and waste storage. The product
will allow more effective and reliable engineering designs that account for
model prediction variability and are more likely to achieve the performance goal
of the system.
Geomatrix Consultants, Inc. Global Optimization Model for
2101 Webster Street 12th Floor Chemical Containment and
Oakland, CA 94612-3027 Remediation Systems
This project will
develop an efficient and robust code enhancement for optimization of numerical
model predictions for subsurface flow and transport problems. Application of the
new code to design and operation of groundwater remediation and monitoring
systems can provide significant performance and cost benefits to the public.
Gevo, Inc. Anaerobic Expression of Pyruvate
133 N. Altadena Drive Dehydrogenase for Producing Biofuels
Suite 310 in Fermentative Pathways
Pasadena, CA 91107-7328
Butanol is a better transportation fuel than ethanol, but the current process for converting biomass to butanol is not economical, primarily due to the large amount of byproducts it generates. This project aims at engineering novel microorganisms that efficiently convert biomass to butanol without generating byproducts.
Hyper-Therm High-Temperature Low Conductivity SiC-Based Ceramic
Composites, Inc. Composites for Fusion Blanket Flow
18411 Gothard Street Channel Inserts
Unit B
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Fusion energy is the long term source of clean, non-polluting power, but developemt of new materials that can operate in the high neutron flux environment of a fusion reactor is required. This proposal addresses the development of a high temperature material compatible with the fusion energy environment and possesses the necessary component specific properties will improve efficiency and minimize down-time.
HyPerComp, Inc. Development of a Rapid Turnaround
31255 Cedar Valley Drive Modeling Ability for PbLi Blanket Module
Suite 327
Westlake Village, CA 91362-7140
Development of rapid simulation capabilities proposed will enable dramatic savings in the cost associated with testing and reduce the risk in the U.S. participation in ITER and other fusion based power generation programs. It holds critical enabling potential for efficient thermal management of fusion energy systems, and paves the way for their safe, reliable, economic and environmentally benign operation.
STTR Project
InnoSense LLC Refractory Coated Silica Aerogels Catchers for
2531 West 237th Street the Fast Release of Unstable Light Nuclei
Suite 127
Torrance, CA 90505
This project will
develop and demonstrate refractory coated silica aerogels as isotope catchers
for the efficient production of unstable light nuclei. This project will support
the DOE-RIA-lite Program objectives, which aim at developing production methods
and enhancing the beam intensity of short-lived rare isotopes.
Los Gatos Research Isotope Analyzer for Real-Time
67 East Evelyn Avenue Measurements in the Field
Suite 3
Mountain View, CA 94041
This project will
develop the first ultrasensitive methane isotope analyzer that will provide fast
measurements in ambient air in real time for landfills, oil and gas exploration,
and environmental research.
Los Gatos Research Novel Instrumentation for Real-Time
67 East Evelyn Avenue Combustion Monitoring and Control
Suite 3
Mountain View, CA 94041
This
project will support the development and demonstration of a novel instrument
with unprecedented sensitivity, accuracy and reliability for monitoring and
control of combustion emissions and of power plants and industrial processes;
for engine diagnostics and for automobile monitoring; and for measurements of
atmospheric pollutants, trace gases and greenhouse gases.
Los Gatos Research Ultrasensitive Airborne
67 East Evelyn Avenue Instrumentation for the
Suite 3 Quantification of Aerosol Precursors
Mountain View, CA 94041
This project will develop a flight-based analyzer to study chemical species that are critical in formation of aerosol particulates. These particulates have been strongly implicated in global warming and pulmonary diseases.
Luminit, LLC Flexible Spectrum Splitting
20600 Gramercy Place Holographic Concentrators
Suite 203
Torrance, CA 90501
Advances in
photovoltaic technology are being sought to improve solar energy production such
that solar energy is competitive with other forms of renewable electricity by
the year 2015. This project proposes a laminated holographic film that focuses
lightwaves on solar cells to significantly improve the efficiency of existing
photovoltaic technology.
MDS Company Development of a 201 MHz 10 MW
7200 Woodrow Drive Hollow Beam Klystron
Oakland, CA 94611
The future MUON
Collider, when developed, will require low cost vacuum amplifiers capable of
long life with high reliability. The unique combination of a hollow beam
electron gun and a conservative interaction circuit is capable of satisfying
these needs.
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. Biobutanol Production with Hybrid
1360 Willow Road Membrane-Distillation
Menlo Park, CA 94025-1524
Due to economic
considerations, biobutanol is not currently produced as a biofuel even though it
has clear-cut performance advantages over bioethanol. The biobutanol production
process developed in this proposal is both cost and energy efficient and could
compete with petroleum-derived butanol production.
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. Membrane Systems for Coal Bed
1360 Willow Road Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and
Menlo Park, CA 94025-1524 Methane Production
Injection of
carbon dioxide into coal beds is a promising sequestration technology,
particularly if coal bed methane displaced by the carbon dioxide can be
economically produced. Economical separation of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and
oxygen from this gas is key; membranes can be used effectively for this type of
separation.
Mirmar Sensor, LLC Digital Timing Electronics
5959 Hollister Avenue
Suite C
Goleta, CA 93117-3600
This
project will apply the technology developed in the extraction of energy
information form the gridless HPXe detector to timing of HPGe and NaI detector.
The nuclear physics related improvements will provide better
Homeland Security imaging systems and medical imaging diagnostic techniques for
the general public.
NovaWave Technologies, Inc. Real-Time Multispecies Greenhouse
900 Island Drive Gas Sensor
Suite 101
Redwood City, CA 94065-5150
This
proposal seeks to develop compact, low-cost, and highly reliable multispecies
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.
Nu-Trek, Inc. Ultra Fast X-Ray Detector
17150 Via del Campo Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92127
This
project will develop an x-ray detector with a sub ps response time and timing
precision. It will be used to characterize and control the intensity, as well as
the temporal and spectral characteristics of ultra-short x-ray pulses.
One-Cycle Control, Inc. One-Cycle Controlled Reactive Power
13844 Alton Parkway Supply Inverter (OCC-RPSI) for
Suite 137 Distributed Energy
Irvine, CA 92618
This
project will enable grid operators to leverage numerous small distributed-energy
resources to inject reactive power on demand, to improve the stability,
capacity, and reliability of the electric grid.
Particle Beam Lasers, Inc. A 6-D Muon Cooling System using Achromat Bends
18925 Dearborn Street
Northridge, CA 91324-2807
The project
proposed is a feasibility study for a 6-D muon cooling system using achromat
bends. The ultimate goal is to design, build, test and operate such a system at
a national accelerator site or commercial ion laser facility.
Physical Optics Corporation Capacitive Output Radiation Detector
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance, CA 90501-1821
Agencies charged with limiting nuclear proliferation are interested in developing highly massproducible radiation detectors that take advantage of the capabilities of a new semiconductor material, cadmium zinc telluride. The proposed technology will support the effecient mass production of large-volume highly sensitive radiation detectors to miniature pixel detectors.
Physical Optics Corporation Dual Wavelength In-Situ Cloud Lidar
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance, CA 90501-1821
A new in situ cloud
lidar will measure cloud properties with large sample volumes to fill the gap
between in situ cloud probing and remote sensing techniques. The proposed
small, cost effective, high performance lidar will be deployed as a cloud
property measuring instrument on aerial platforms.
Physical Optics Corporation Photoelectrochemical System for
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100 Hydrogen Generation
Torrance, CA 90501-1821
An efficient apparatus will be designed, to be assembled from relatively inexpensive materials, to extract hydrogen by means of solar power, with water being the only consumable.
Picarro, Inc. Isotopic Carbon Dioxide Analyzer for
480 Oakmead Parkway Atmospheric Studies
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Measurement of small changes in the atmospheric carbon dioxide isotopic ratio provides important information related to greenhouse gases and global warming. Tracking the isotopic ratio facilitates the prediction of future climate trends.
Picarro, Inc. Methane and Carbon Dioxide
480 Oakmead Parkway Eddy-Covariance Flux Monitor
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Measurement
of small changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane concentrations
provide important information related to greenhouse gases and global warming.
Tracking these gases facilitates the prediction of future climate trends.
RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC Novel Fabrication Techniques for the
1600 Sawtelle Boulevard, Suite 300 Production of RF Photoinjectors
Los Angeles, CA 90025
This project
proposes to develop a high-brightness, high average power electron gun
manufactured with innovative techniques. This promises to be a key enabling
technology for imaging and analysis applications of interest to homeland
security as well as industrial and academic programs.
RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC Single Shot Bunch Length Monitoring, Based on
1600 Sawtelle Boulevard Interferometer and Novel THz Sensing