DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

AND

SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM

PHASE IGRANT APPLICATIONS SELECTED FOR FY 2008 AWARDS BY TOPIC

 

                                                                                    

TOPIC:  INSTRUMENTATION FOR NEUTRON SCATTERING, ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, AND SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

         Adelphi Technology Inc.                                            Compound Refractive Lenses for     

         2003 East Bayshore Road                                         Thermal Neutron Applications       

         Redwood City, CA  94063                                                    

 

Thermal neutrons penetrate and are absorbed by matter in entirely different ways from x-rays and optic photons. This project will develop a device that can focus and image--not with light but with thermal neutrons. The device will provide a new window into materials and biological matter.

                                                                            

          STTR Project                                                               

         Anasys Instruments Corp                                           Development of s-SNOM Technology to

         25 W. Anapamu                                                        Enable AFMs Perform Sub-30nm IR    

         Santa Barbara, CA  93101                                        Spectroscopy and Imaging           

 

The technology developed in this project will enable Scanning Probe Microscopes not only to view, but also to perform chemical analysis of samples, using infra-red spectroscopy at nanometer resolutions. The technology will impact American industries that rely on scientific research at the nanoscale level such as the lucrative industries of Materials and Pharmaceuticals.

 

          STTR Project                                                          

         Cryogenic Applications F, Inc.                                   Development and Neutronic Validation

         450 Bacon Springs Lane                                            of Pelletized Cold and Very Cold   

         Clinton, TN  37716-5311                                          Moderators for Pulsed Neutron Sources      

 

The Spallation Neutron Source produces intense beams of cold neutrons for scientific research. This project will develop a beam line component that will double the output of cold neutrons at a small fraction of the original cost.

                                                                           

                                                                                    

         Hummingbird Scientific, LLC                                     Instrumentation for Quantifiable   

         3340 Windolph Ln. NW                                            Experimental Mechanics at the Deep 

         Olympia, WA  98502                                                Nanoscale                          

       

Scientists can use both scanned probe microscopes and electron microscopes to investigate the surface and the internal structure of materials.  However, better methodologies are needed to improve understanding of the interrelationship between materials processing and the resulting interplay between microstructure and properties. This work will result in hardware that combines the full benefits of both approaches. It will allow for improved characterization of the mechanical response of nanostructured materials and thus provide heightened insight into nanoscale processing methodologies.

                                                                           

                                                                                    

         Hummingbird Scientific, LLC                                     A Continuous Flow Liquid Cell for  

         3340 Windolph Ln. NW                                            the TEM and STEM Microscopes       

         Olympia, WA  98502                                                         

 

Scientists can use observations of fluid-born materials, via transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) or scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEMs), to analyze particles, reactions, and temperature impact, and to probe the interrelationships between the structure, processing, and properties of materials. This project will result in hardware that will allow scientists to heighten their characterizations of the mechanical response of nanostructured materials, and consequently gain increased insight into nanoscale processes.

 

                                                                           

         PECOS Inc. Precision Engineering                             Development of a Compact           

         Contracting Services, Inc.                                          Multi-Analyzer System for Triple   

         1020 Commerce Park                                               Axis Spectroscopy                   

         Suite K                                                                    

         Oak Ridge, TN  37830                                                        

 

The United States hosts the world’s most intense pulsed and steady state neutron sources at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This project will develop a device that would enhance the effective count rate in neutron scattering measurements in facilities, such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor, by up to 16 times.

                                                                          

                                                                                    

         Parallax Research, Inc.                                              Parallel Data Collection Wavelength

         2818-H Industrial Plaza Drive                                    Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer for  

         Tallahassee, FL  32301                                             Scanning Electron Microscopy       

 

 

The Department of Energy seeks innovative instrumentation to improve the capabilities of Electron Microscopy, thereby stimulating new innovations in materials science.  This project will develop a parallel data collection spectrometer for Scanning Electron Microscopes.  The spectrometer will enable very fast decision-making because of its ability to simultaneously scan and show the entire spectral interval of a sample in a short interval of time.

 

                                                                                     

         Parallax Research, Inc.                                              An Imaging Micro-X-ray Spectrometer

         2818-H Industrial Plaza Drive                                              

         Tallahassee, FL  32301                                                      

 

This project will develop an Imaging Spectrometer that will produce elemental images of microscopic features on samples.  The device could be used for a system designed for 3-D elemental imaging of tiny samples such as cells or mineral grains.  An additional use could be producing 3-D elemental maps of micro-circuits without disassembling them.                                                                                    

                                                                                     

         STTR Project                                                                

         PartTec, Ltd.                                                             The Spiral Particle Detector for   

         320 W. 8th Street                                                      High Flux Neutron Beams            

         Suite 101                                                                   

         Bloomington, IN  47404                                                     

 

This project will substantially improve the Department of Energy’s neutron science research programs while reducing overall instrument costs. Medical imaging, nuclear material detection (for defense and homeland security), and non-destructive inspections will also benefit.

 

 

         Proportional Technologies, Inc.                                  High Rate Large Area Enriched Boron

         80222 El Rio Street                                                   Neutron Detector for SNS           

         Houston, TX  77054                                                         

 

The U. S. Department of Energy Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory promises to extend the boundaries of materials science research. This project will develop a highly, unique neutron-imaging detector technology for critical large-area detectors that meet SNS requirements.  Existing detectors set limits that are one tenth the capacity of this resource.

 

                                                                          

         Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                             Structured Scintillator for High   

         44 Hunt Street                                                           Resolution, High Efficiency Neutron

         Watertown, MA  02472                                            Imaging                            

 

Neutron radiography and diffraction are used in biomedical research, new materials research, threat detection and other security applications. This project will significantly enhance the sensitivity and image quality of these neutron imaging systems while reducing their cost.

                                                                         

                                                                                     

         Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                             High Performance Neutron Detector  

         44 Hunt Street                                                             

         Watertown, MA  02472                                                       

 

The project will develop a nuclear detector material that will have major impact in federally sponsored homeland security efforts and scientific studies, as well as commercial applications, such as medical imaging and oil exploration.

                                                                          

                                                                                    

         Tech-X Corporation                                                  Virtual Instrumentation Experiment 

         5621 Arapahoe Ave                                                  Optimization for High-Throughput   

         Suite A                                                                      Scientific Analysis                

         Boulder, CO  80303                                                          

 

This project will develop software tools so that neutron facility users can be better prepared and more rapidly transform their raw data into scientific results and discovery.

 

         STTR Project                                                                 

         Xemed, LLC                                                             Ex-Situ Polarized 3He Neutron Spin 

         16 Strafford Avenue                                                  Filter and Analyzer System         

         Durham, NH  03824                                                           

 

Cells of polarized 3He are favored in many experiments for their compact size, effectiveness over a broad range of neutron energies, and ability to conveniently have their spin reversed to cancel uncertainties.  This project will adapt a newly developed 3He polarization technology to enable investigations into the magnetic structures of thin films and diagnostic medical imaging of lung function.

 

                                                                            

                                                                                    

TOPIC:  TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT BES USER FACILITIES

                                                                                    

       

          STTR Project                                                                            

         Atlas Scientific                                                           High Performance Cryogenic X-ray   

         1367 Camino Robles Way                                         Spectrometer for Chemical Analysis 

         San Jose, CA  95120-4925                                       of Dilute Samples                  

        

The DOE operates extremely bright X-ray sources used to study fundamental biological processes, environmental contamination, and novel materials. This program will develop an advanced X-ray detection system to allow analysis of a significantly increased range of samples, thereby increasing the scope of scientific and technical research performed at, and the number of scientists who can use, DOE facilities.

 

                                                                            

         Creare Incorporated                                                  A Magneto-Hydrodynamic System for  

         16 Great Hollow Road                                              Generating High-Pressure Impluses in

         P.O. Box 71                                                              Spallation Targets                 

         Hanover, NH  03755                                                         

 

This project will develop a system to model and analyze the wall erosion on the Spallation Neutron Source target at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  This system will enable the materials science research facility to operate at higher efficiency.

                                                                          

                                                                                     

         Q-Peak, Incorporated                                               Mid IR Ultrafast Laser System for  

         135 South Road                                                        High Field Physics                 

         Bedford, MA  01730                                                          

 

This project will improve the laser technology as one of the key components in generating ultrafast X-rays.  The ultrafast X-rays and their resulting images will provide critically needed resources to basic science and offspring applications, such as diagnostic medicine.

 

                                                                          

         RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC                                  A Novel Short-Period High-Field HTS

         13428 Beach Ave                                                     Undulator Based on (0001)<11-20>   

         Marina del Rey, CA  90292                                      Textured Dysprosium Poles          

         

This project will develop technology to increase X-ray brightness and wavelength coverage of both existing and future light sources and better serve the growing needs of the synchrotron radiation users.

 

                                                                          

         Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                             Advanced Scintillation Detector for

         44 Hunt Street                                                           Synchrotron Facilities             

         Watertown, MA  02472                                                       

 

This project will develop a scintillator to enhance X-ray detectors used for medical imaging, small animal research, X-ray scanning for homeland security, and synchrotron applications at U. S. Department of Energy laboratories.

 

                                                                         

 

TOPIC:  ACCELERATOR TECHNOLOGIES FOR PRESENT

    AND FUTURE ACCELERATOR  FACILITIES

 

                                                                                    

         Aculight Corporation                                                 High Power IR/UV Laser for         

         22121 20th Avenue SE                                             Accelerator Systems                

         Bothell, WA  98021-4408                                                    

         

The project will develop a powerful and reliable laser enabling significantly improved performance from electron accelerators, which are used in medicine, development of new materials, and scientific research.

 

                                                                          

         Advanced Energy Systems, Inc                                  Improved Superconducting Accelerator

         27 Industrial Blvd, Unit E                                           System for Next Generation Light   

         Medford, NY  11763                                                Sources                            

        

 

Modern synchrotron light sources utilize superconducting radio frequency (SRF) acceleration to achieve high performance.  This project will design and develop an advanced SRF system to meet the demanding specifications of synchrotron light sources.

 

                                                                           

         Advanced Energy Systems, Inc.                                 High Power Fundamental Power Coupler

         27 Industrial Blvd, Unit E                                           for Next Generation Light Sources  

         Medford, NY  11763                                                          

 

This project will develop a High Power Fundamental Coupler for third-generation light sources such as the National Synchrotron Light Source-II at Brookhaven National Laboratory.  Technology developed from this effort will have application to fourth and higher generation light sources as well as high current/high power accelerators of the future.

 

                                                                          

         Diversified Technologies, Inc.                                     Modulator for Short Pulse Switching

         35 Wiggins Avenue                                                          

         Bedford, MA  01730                                                         

          

This project will develop a solid-state switch for the Short Pulse X-Ray Project at Argonne National Laboratory. The switch will enable the Argonne modulator to significantly increase its efficiency, thereby enabling high frequency operation.

                                                                           

                                                                                    

         MTECH Laboratories, LLC                                      Novel Power Conditioning Concepts  

         831 Rte. 67, Bldg. 45C                                                     

         Ballston Spa, NY  12020                                                    

 

This work will apply a novel approach to existing power devices in order to enhance their performance. Uses of these devices include very high-power pulsed switching applications, such as accelerator modulators.

 

                                                                           

         Niowave, Inc.                                                            Development of a Superconducting RF

         1012 N. Walnut Street                                              1.5 GHz Landau Cavity for          

         Lansing, MI  48906                                                   Synchrotron Light Sources          

 

This project will develop superconducting multi-spoke cavities that offer several advantages over current elliptical structures to accelerate electrons near the speed of light.

 

                                                                           

         RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC                                  A User-Friendly, Modular Simulation

         13428 Beach Ave                                                     Code for Emission Processes From   

         Marina del Rey, CA  90292                                      High-Brightness Electron Beams     

 

This project will develop computational software that will accurately model the radiation emitted from high brightness particle accelerators. The software will emphasize the modeling of radiation collected by accelerator beam diagnostics, while stressing user-friendly interfaces. This software will have applications in accelerators across fields as diverse as materials study to medical imaging.

 

                                                                          

                                                                                     

TOPIC:  ADVANCED COAL RESEARCH

                                                                                    

          STTR Project                                                                          

         Applied Nanotech, Inc.                                              Advanced Coal Research, New CO2    

         3006 Longhorn Boulevard                                         Monitoring Devices                 

         Suite 107                                                                  

         Austin, TX  78758-7631                                                     

 

Scientists have proposed reducing greenhouse gas by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into geologic subsurface structures.  Sophisticated monitoring tools are essential to track CO2 in the geologic structures and assure safe retention.  This project will develop and field test an improved CO2 sensor.

 

                                                                          

         Eltron Research & Development Inc.                         Novel Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for 

         4600 Nautilus Court South                                        Low Carbon Dioxide Emission        

         Boulder, CO  80301-3241                                        Synthetic Fuels                    

 

Using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) to produce synthetic fuels from coal and biomass will help the U.S. achieve energy independence and spur economic growth. This project will develop FTS catalysts to enable production of synthetic fuel from various feed stocks and limit the production of CO2. The end result will be additional domestic fuels with minimal environmental impact.

                                                                           

                                                                                     

         Materials and Systems Research, Inc.                        Advanced Coal Research - Sealing   

         5395 West 700 South                                               Systems for High Temperature SOFCs  

         Salt Lake City, UT  84104                                                   

         

This project will provide a viable sealing option for planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that are preferred for their high current density.  An effective sealing solution will benefit the community by providing an impetus for clean and efficient energy generation.

                                                                          

          STTR Project                                                                          

         RBR@Vision                                                            Novel Attrition-Resistant Fischer  

         28 Lake Ridge Club Drive                                         Tropsch Catalyst                   

         Burr Ridge, IL  60527-7937                                                 

 

U.S. dependence on imported petroleum could be decreased if known processes for making liquid fuels from gasification of coal or biomass were cost efficient. This project will produce catalysts that could significantly decrease process costs.

 

         STTR Project                                                                   

         Resonon, Inc.                                                            Hyperspectral Sensor for Large-Area

         619 N. Church Avenue                                              Monitoring of Carbon-Dioxide       

         Suite 3                                                                       Reservoirs and Pipelines           

         Bozeman, MT  59715-3087                                                    

       

This project will develop technology that utilizes the natural response of plants to underground carbon-dioxide, for locating leaks from carbon sequestration reservoirs and pipelines. The technology will provide complete coverage at low-cost and may be useful for other applications such as agriculture and monitoring methane pipelines.

 

         STTR Project                                                                  

         Sheeta Global Technology Corporation                      Low Cost Open-Path Instrument for  

         841 E. San Bernadino Road                                      Monitoring Surface Carbon Dioxide at

         Covina, CA  91723                                                   Sequestration Sites                

 

Public confidence in safety is a prerequisite to the success of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage for any program that intends to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. To addresses the security of CO2 containment, this project will develop what is called “an open path device” to measure CO2 concentrations near the ground and above a CO2 storage area.

 

                                                                          

         TDA Research, Inc.                                                   Novel Sorbents for Removal of      

         12345 W. 52nd Avenue                                            Mercury, Arsenic, Sulfur and Halides

         Wheat Ridge, CO  80033-1916                                from Coal-Derived Synthesis Gas    

 

The use of advanced, highly efficient and environmentally responsible coal-based processes is hindered by the presence of wide-spectrum trace contaminants. This project will develop technology to remove these contaminants in a cost-effective way to support the widespread utilization of domestic coal.

                                                                           

                                                                                    

         TDA Research, Inc.                                                   Novel Catalysts to Maximize Gasoline

         12345 W. 52nd Avenue                                            Yields                             

         Wheat Ridge, CO  80033-1916                                                

 

Liquid fuels produced by Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis can provide an immediately viable alternative to crude oil. This project will develop a catalyst that will decrease the cost of the FT process.

 

                                                                          

         Vista Photonics, Inc.                                                   Large Area Leak Sensor for         

         67 Condesa Road                                                     Sequestered Carbon Dioxide         

         Santa Fe, NM  87508-8136                                                   

         85820

 

Inexpensive high-performance sensors are required in the field to detect leaks of carbon dioxide from permanent geologic storage sites.  The this project will develop a laser sensor technology to provide the required measurements for an exceptional value.

 

                                                                           

                                                                                    

         TOPIC:  MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY SYSTEMS                      

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

         FM Technologies, Inc.                                               Joining and Hermetic Sealing of SiC

         4431-H Brookfield Corporate Drive                          End Plugs to SiC Triplex Nuclear   

         Chantilly, VA  20151-1691               <