This phase I project will create, for the first time, a dynamic system, based on neurophysiology of the brain, to perfrom image segmentation using high level info. In computer vision, pattern recognition is frequently hampered by poor image segmentation. Segmentation algorithms have not been able… More

Human skin exposed to a liquid nerve agent, such as sarin, must be decontaminated immediately (within one minute) to avoid fatality. Intelligent Optical Systems proposes a decontamination towelette containing a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that mimics the binding characteristics of the enzyme… More

Not Available Mide is proposing to use Nitinol, a shape memory alloy, to instrument a parachute for measurement of the dynamic behavior of the parachute during inflation. The innovative approach, which utilizes the change in wire resistance as a function of strain (force) in the wire is robust and… More

Not Available Applied Visions, Inc. (AVI) proposes to design visualization aids to significantly enhance cyber defense situational awareness. Building upon our existing body of work on the visualization of network security events, we will design, demonstrate and assess visual representations of… More

Not Available Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Cultural Site. Its unique beauty, ecological variety, archeological history, and expert staff make it a true national treasure. However, some of the attractions are only partially accessible and others are inaccessible to… More

Not Available Airtrax Corporation proposes to develop the Multiple Purpose Mobility Platform (MP)2 incorporating its own proprietary omni directional vehicle technology. Airtrax's approach is to review all pertinent performance requirements, perform analysis and design and prepare a final report… More

Not Available This proposal will develop a feasible framework for reliability assessment of existing watertight decks and bulkheads of vital spaces and establish reliability levels inherent in present design codes for these structural components. Applied Research Associates, Inc. brings over… More

Not Available The objective of this project is to develop a seismic event location procedure that utilizes initial and secondary seismic arrival times computed with the Gaussian beam method. Software to compute Gaussian beam synthetic seismograms for complex three-dimensional velocity structures… More

Not Available This innovative concept will develop a model for determining the fraction of neutral outgassed or vented molecules that leave a spacecraft, are then ionized by solar photons, and then return and deposit on spacecraft charged surfaces. Electrostatic Retur

65846 Scintillating optical fibers are used in not only in high-energy physics instrumentation, but also in fundamental physical research, in medical equipment, and in the security, oil exploration, and telecommunications industries. However, typical scintillating fibers have numerical… More

IOS and the University of Arkansas propose to design a novel and compact platform consisting of Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) devices designed to 1) automatically sense and control tire pressure, 2) generate and store power from tire vibration, 3) telemeter data to the driver cabin or road… More

Reducing mass is increasingly important to NASA spacecraft. MicroTechnology (MicroTech) fiber optic pressure transducers provide mass and power savings of up to 0.25 kg and 0.35 W per unit. Furthermore, the shift toward smarter spacecraft requires a larger number of pressure transducers. Development… More

IOS proposes to develop high strength fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor arrays by fabricating high-quality FBGs in the core of conventional optical fibers without removing their protective polymer coatings. In Phase I, IOS will fabricate gratings that havereflectivities of at least 5% for the target… More

The development of microfluidics devices for use in micro-fabricated chemical sensors would improve the capability for detecting weapons of mass destruction. Although a myriad of microfluidics transport devices have been demonstrated, full commercialization has not yet been realized due to an… More

The goal of this project is to develop intelligent imaging software for the automated identification and analysis of angiogenesis. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of using this innovative technique for clinical angiography.The formation of newblood vessels (angiogenesis) is a critical… More

Angiogenesis is a critical component in many physiological and pathological processes, such as in cancer metastasis, and in the healing of wounds, bone fractures, ulcers, and other angiogenesis related diseases. There is, however, no software specificallydesigned for analyzing angiogenesis. … More

The U.S. Army has expressed a need for improved real-time target acquisition capabilities of strategic systems for tactical applications such as battlefield data collection, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. To address this need,Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes an optical fiber sensor to determine concentrations of chloride ions in composite concrete structures such as buildings and bridges. Maintaining the integrity of this nation's infrastructure is a major challenge, and the… More

61066 Hazardous waste characterization, remediation, and monitoring are key missions for DOE. Conventional approaches involve cumbersome sample collection and laboratory analysis. This is time intensive and very costly, in part because of the need for experts. Crucial long-term, continuous… More

Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to create an image processing and pattern classification software package to automatically characterize the behavior of mice used in genetic research. The use of transgenic and knockout mice in biomedical research promises to provide cures and understanding of… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) Inc., a world leader in fiber optic sensing technology, proposes to develop a newmulti-point fiber optic sensors (MFOS) sensor system for the remote detection of cryogenic (hydrogen and oxygen) fuel leaks in evolved expandable launch vehicle (EELV) propulsion… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) Inc., a world leader in fiber optic sensing technology, proposes to develop a newmulti-point fiber optic sensors (MFOS) sensor system for the remote detection of cryogenic (hydrogen and oxygen) fuel leaks in evolved expandable launch vehicle (EELV) propulsion… More

Intelligent Optical Systems Inc.(IOS), in collaboration with the Beckman Laser Institute (BLI) of the University of California Irvine, proposes to develop an innovative fiber optic endodontic microprobe for root canal … More

61063 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) seeks intelligent automated tuning software to improve control and functionality of plasma fusion reactors. Currently installed tokamak control systems typically fail to make use of the full potential of available equipment. These systems often… More

61063 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) seeks intelligent automated tuning software to improve control and functionality of plasma fusion reactors. Currently installed tokamak control systems typically fail to make use of the full potential of available equipment. These systems often… More

61066 Hazardous waste characterization, remediation, and monitoring are key missions for DOE. Conventional approaches involve cumbersome sample collection and laboratory analysis. This is time intensive and very costly, in part because of the need for experts. Crucial long-term, continuous… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a new, low cost, compact fiber laser generating femtosecond pulses for multiphoton excitation for a wide range of fluorescence based biomedical applications. The system will consist of a laser diode pumped rare earth doped double clad fiber laser… More

APPLICANT'S DESCRIPTION: The progression of cancer and the experimental reversal of tumorigenicity are accompanied by complex changes in the patterns of gene expression. DNA micro-arrays make it possible to quickly generate large amounts of data for gene expression monitoring, target screening, and… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with Tetracore LLC (Rockville, MD), proposes to design, construct, and demonstrate a novel, portable, self-contained, imaging microarray reader (referred to here as Biomapper) to rapidly identify theexposure of Army personnel to biological warfare… More

DESCRIPTION (Provided by Applicant): Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop a novel, low-cost, high-reliability, high-efficiency, dual-frequency blue-green light source for automated DNA sequencers. This light source will enable the creation of sequencers that are… More

The association between elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease is well established. Further, an increase in the level of LDL-C with normal levels of cholesterol can result in an increased risk for coronary heart… More

"The U.S. Army plans to deploy a new generation of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors with more than a million pixels per image, generated at the television frame rate. With this unprecedented image detail, it will be necessary to process those imagesin real time using a super-resolution… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with Dr. Alex McPherson and Dr. Stanley Koszelak of the University of California, Irvine, proposes to develop a family of unique sub-micron optical fiber sensors to monitor pH, temperature, and ionic strength during protein crystal growth. The… More

Monitoring mission critical gases is vital for space ventures, including space shuttles, the international space station, spacecraft for planetary missions, spaceports, future projects on Mars, and satellites ? they all need to monitor gases that are mission critical. Intelligent Optical Systems… More

Reducing mass is increasingly important to NASA spacecraft. MicroTechnology (MicroTech) fiber optic pressure transducers provide mass and power savings of up to 0.25 kg and 0.35 W per unit. Furthermore, the shift toward smarter spacecraft requires a larger number of pressure transducers. Development… More

Reducing mass is increasingly important to NASA spacecraft. MicroTechnology (MicroTech) fiber optic pressure transducers provide mass and power savings of up to 0.25 kg and 0.35 W per unit. Furthermore, the shift toward smarter spacecraft requires a larger number of pressure transducers. Development… More

70873 As recent incidents indicate, the threat of biological warfare is real. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses a grave danger to our society and the world population. To reduce the risks of these potential hazards, there is an immediate need for the development of… More

Monitoring mission critical gases is vital for space ventures, including space shuttles, the international space station, spacecraft for planetary missions, spaceports, future projects on Mars, and satellites ? they all need to monitor gases that are mission critical. Intelligent Optical Systems… More

65599 Miniaturized chemical sensor systems are being introduced for field analytical applications by the DOE, other government agencies, and industry. Accordingly, compatible systems for introducing and handling small-scale samples will be required for practical, unattended operation. The… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the exploitation of nano-materials as optical based chemical sensors. This innovative approach to chemical sensing will take advantage of the material's quantum size effects, such as enhanced absorption and photoluminescence… More

An airborne fire is one of the most dreaded emergencies, as all pilots will acknowledge. Isolated at high altitudes, a fire-induced loss of systems can disable the aircraft beyond control. The space shuttles and the International Space Station face an even worse predicament. While an aircraft can… More

An airborne fire is one of the most dreaded emergencies, as all pilots will acknowledge. Isolated at high altitudes, a fire-induced loss of systems can disable the aircraft beyond control. The space shuttles and the International Space Station face an even worse predicament. While an aircraft can… More

70594 The United States spends nearly 25% of its electrical budget on general lighting applications, which use conventional light sources such as filament lamps, mercury vapor lamps, etc. Advances in solid state light emitting diodes suggest that this cost could be reduced, but many… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase II grant application requests funds for developing a portable monitoring system suitable for the general screening of bacterial fouling in water lines used in dental practice or in hemodialysis facilities. In Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The efficiency of high throughput screening can be improved if libraries with huge diversity could be characterized for bioactivity in preliminary rounds of screening. There are currently no instruments that can characterize the bioactivities of combinatorial… More

To improve hyperthermia and thermotherapy treatments by providing a realistic, cost effective and efficient technique for temperature profiling in treated tissues, Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop an optical fiber temperature (OFT) probe providing 10 points of high resolution… More

To improve hyperthermia and thermotherapy treatments by providing a realistic, cost effective and efficient technique for temperature profiling in treated tissues, Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop an optical fiber temperature (OFT) probe providing 10 points of high resolution… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase II grant application requests funds for developing a portable monitoring system suitable for the general screening of bacterial fouling in water lines used in dental practice or in hemodialysis facilities. In Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems… More

In the last few decades our understanding of life has expanded considerably with major progress in the fields of biotechnology, molecular biology, and genetics. This has culminated in deciphering the human genome. Microarray technologies have now made it possible to identify and study the expression… More

Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop a hyperstereopsis-based techniques for ground target identification. Under hyperstereoscopic viewing conditions, the separation of the two camera viewpoints is exaggerated and disparity can provide more thansimple depth perception; many studies have… More

An important approach to limiting the pollution of our Nation¿s natural waters and drinking water supply is the development of field-deployable monitors to detect the presence of pollutants in ground and surface waters. Monitors can alert regulators to the presence of dangerous contaminants before… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to use expertise in fiber lasers and all fiber-optic sensors to develop and demonstrate a new all solid state Raman spectrometer that could drastically lower costs to analyze and identify tissue and blood without the… More

Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a portable, non-lethal, green or blue-green laser for military and law enforcement applications. A novel scanner will be incorporated into the device to provide a strobe effect. The scanner will becomprised of a fiber optic cartridge whose… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative approach to fabricating microfluidic devices for bioassays within a Micro Total Analytical System (`TAS) format. The device will be based on electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD)… More

Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a fluorescence detection based miniature multisensor probe and detection system to monitor cell nutrient parameters in zero gravity. The proposed sensor system can be integrated into NASA?s bioreactor hardware to enhance performance. Luminescent… More

Toxic contaminants are a serious danger to military personnel, with effects that may only appear after weeks, or months. Traditional diagnostic tools focus on levels of specific markers for certain diseases or toxins. When these specific markers do notshow high levels, it is difficult to identify… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (lOS) proposes to develop an innovative, optical fiber probe, or optode, that will improve collection efficiency of the probe by an order of magnitude and improve the sensitivity of target molecule sensing and imaging devices… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (lOS), a company with a unique combination of expertise in optical fiber sensor development and intelligent signal processing, proposes a new approach to brain imaging. We propose a new modality called Optoencephalography (OEG).… More

In recent decades, there has been significant progress in the fields of biotechnology, molecular biology, and genetics. These efforts have enabled deciphering of the human genome, and have fueled the development of microarray technologies for studying the very basis of life; how genes and proteins… More

Providing a fast and accurate way to recognize and designate targets remains a major challenge, particularly in applications that demand rapid ground target identification in cluttered environments. Huge amounts of data and imagery must be sorted in order to discriminate useful information. … More

The Air Force is soliciting the development of innovative algorithms to produce 4D models of "uncooperative" objects in near real-time. This modeling would entail high-resolution 3D shape reconstruction and motion tracing of space objects from ground-based images. In response, Intelligent Optical… More

Through recent manned spacecraft expeditions, it has become clear that there are significant hazardous features that affect the health and vitality of space crewmembers. To make extended manned space missions a practical reality, it is critical to monitor and to provide countermeasures for a variety… More

It is critical to prevent terrorists, or other smugglers, from using the spaces, holds, and cargo containers aboard ships and boats, to smuggle contraband into our Nation. To date, most surveillance efforts have focused on vision through the wall systems; surprisingly little attention has been paid… More

In the proposed work, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) will determine the feasibility of developing non-intrusive, low-cost, embeddable pressure transducers that can be used to provide mechanical system data on valves used in salt water and hydraulic fluid piping systems. Specifically, in Phase I,… More

Terahertz (THz) radiation imaging and sensing is one of the most promising technologies for standoff detection of concealed threats. New THz sources and detectors are emerging on the commercial market. Existing methods for data processing and image construction, however, are either too cumbersome or… More

There is a clear and growing need to detect and monitor for highly dangerous releases of toxic industrial compounds (TICs) for the protection of the general public. Current detection and monitoring devices are not adequate to protect against unwanted releases of low vapor TICs because of the high… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The simultaneous detection of the fluorescence of marker dyes in a reference and in the sample using an excitation source with 2 distinct illumination wavelengths in the blue-green portion of the visible spectrum is a widely practiced analytical tool. This… More

The Air Force is soliciting the development of innovative algorithms to produce 4D models of "uncooperative" objects in near real-time. This modeling would entail high-resolution 3D shape reconstruction and motion tracing of space objects from ground-based images. In response, Intelligent Optical… More

We propose to develop a highly sensitive, low cost system for underwater perimeter control. The setup, designed for protection of waterside facilities and infrastructure, consists of a fiber-optic cable placed in front of a critical or high-value asset, connected to a compact readout system. A… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) has developed and demonstrated a prototype dazzler that utilizes an array of super-bright Light Emitting Diode (LED) clusters to produce disorientation and strong flashblindness with afterimages. In this project, IOS proposes to develop a significantly improved… More

Intelligent Optical Systems will develop an accurate, inexpensive, rapid, and quantitative device for the detection of harmful algal bloom toxins and toxigenic organisms. The device will be ideally suited for field use, and will provide information about multiple toxins in less than a few minutes. … More

Accidental spills or intentional releases of toxic industrial compounds (TICs) are significant threats to human life. Early detection and warning of the presence and distribution of these hazardous materials in the environment is very important in the prevention of injury and loss of human life.… More

Terahertz (THz) radiation imaging and sensing is one of the most promising technologies for the standoff detection of concealed threats. In Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with the Center for Terahertz Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, demonstrated the… More

Intelligent Optical Systems, with funding from NASA and Boeing, is developing optical sensors for oxygen, hydrogen, and other gases for safety and operational applications at launch sites in spacecraft, and in launch vehicles. Advantages of our sensing approach include multipoint distributed… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a novel, highly sensitive stand-off detector for trace amounts of explosives. The most promising stand-off detection schemes for explosive residues are optical in nature but are limited in both sensitivity and range. The essential problem is in… More

Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop an innovative optical fiber radiation detector whose light trapping efficiency will be greater than an order of magnitude higher than current radiation detectors. Photonic crystal-like optical fibers with novel liquid scintillating cores will be… More

The Army is seeking the development of an innovative image-based fusion and target detection algorithm that can collate incomplete information from multiple and disparate sensors. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a differential mapping method that is based on a Parametric… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Over five million patients are admitted annually to cardiac care units (CCU) for suspected acute myocardial infraction (AMI). The majority of these patients are ruled out of AMI and are subsequently released. A simple method to diagnose patients suffering from… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): As the baby boomer generation matures, more and more women are reaching menopause. Although this is a normal life transition, it has both unpleasant (hot flashes) and possibly dangerous (bone loss) side effects. In many women, menopausal hormone changes begin… More

Providing a fast and accurate way to deliver an image of the target to a small caliber autonomous projectile using a single camera remains a major challenge, particularly in applications that demand rapid response in combat environments. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm abnormality that involves irregular, and often rapid heartbeats. Billions of dollars are spent annually to diagnosis and treat this disorder. Recent studies demonstrate the feasibility of treating AF and other… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to combine its expertise in optical fiber sensors and intelligent signal processing to develop a new approach for detecting gravity induced loss of consciousness (GLOC). IOS will use its recently developed non-contact optical sensor technologies for the… More

Current global and domestic threat environments present US military forces, law enforcement and security personnel with non-lethal crowd control challenges. During Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems, (IOS) demonstrated the feasibility of developing a non-lethal, but powerful and flexible crowd… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) has developed and demonstrated a prototype dazzler that utilizes an array of super-bright Light Emitting Diode (LED) clusters to produce disorientation and strong flashblindness with afterimages. In this project, IOS proposes to develop a significantly improved… More

The Army is seeking the development of an innovative image-based fusion and target detection algorithm that can collate incomplete information from multiple and disparate sensors. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a differential mapping method that is based on a Parametric… More

Providing a fast and accurate way to deliver target images to a small caliber autonomous projectile, using only a single camera, remains a major challenge, particularly for applications demanding rapid responses (e.g., in combat environments). Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with… More

Current nondestructive methods for assessing structural damage and cracks/delaminations on aircraft are cumbersome, and require rigorous time-consuming testing. To overcome the limitations of conventional nondestructive inspection/evaluation, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with… More

This proposal describes the development of a portable, handheld, battery-operable optical reader to simultaneously identify multiple DNA and protein biomarkers in biological fluids for field use. The proposed device will not require fluorescent or chemiluminescent or other labels. Instead, the… More

Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a novel, compact, highly efficient fiber laser architecture that could be used as a base for laser power scaling. The proposed unique concept will provide high level pump power conversion, uniformity of pumping along the fiber length, and… More

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause neuronal hyperactivity, and subsequent neuronal loss leading to cognitive deficits, and impaired memory, judgment, and perception. When TBI occurs, a cascade of biomolecular events take place, and some biomolecules present in the brain are released into… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the development of a Non-Contact Stereo Mini-Micrometer (SMM) for remote visual inspection (RVI) applications. The proposed device will be used as a complementary tool that can be delivered through the instrument channel of… More

Influenza infection and pandemics occur rapidly in the millions of domestic animals that live in high density on farms. Monitoring each animal for disease is impractical and prohibitively expensive. However, culling and slaughtering entire flocks or herds once influenza is discovered stands as a… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A majority of drug molecules are optically active and exhibit unique properties depending on their chirality. Thus, a compound X can be a potent drug, and its mirror image could be inactive, or even toxic. Therefore, the pharmaceutical industry is moving towards… More

Visible light curing polymers, a dynamic technology with new applications that are continually being developed, can provide an alternate solution to the current rapid cure method for ship surface coating, which uses corrosion resistant multicomponent resins. Corporate and government entities are… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Project Summary/Abstract: Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a rugged, handheld, lightweight autonomous chemical identification device that will enable first responders to rapidly and accurately identify and define contamination site… More

Rapidly removing sharp ceramic fragments embedded in the body after a shattering impact on a small arms protection insert (SAPI) is critical to the optimal recovery of wounded personnel. Because tiny SAPI pieces are made of materials that are difficult to visualize, however, they are often… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a field-rugged, colorimetric indicating armband that is capable of detecting multiple TICs and CWAs, at low concentrations, in adverse environments. The proposed sensor array will detect threatening chemical agents and provide a visual readout… More

Life on Earth is unique in many ways; one of its great mysteries is that all the biomolecules of Earth's life are chiral and non-racemic. In our pursuit of life on Mars and beyond, it is likely that one of the clues to extant or extinct life is non-racemic chiral molecules. This proposal describes… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The monitoring of blood gases is often essential in evaluating patients in surgery, critical care or in emergency rooms. Measuring arterial or venous values involves either puncture of a vessel and blood removal for int ermittent testing, or the insertion of an… More

Nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties that can be exploited in the development of highly sensitive assay systems. This proposal describes the development of a lateral flow test strip microarray that will utilize nanoparticles amplification to detect waterborne pathogens. Waterborne… More

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of cognitive deficits, as well as a series of physiological and psychological disorders, that can result in both short-term and long-term problems. Unfortunately, closed head injuries are difficult to detect, and early detection is necessary to improve… More

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have provided a number of promising biomarkers that could be used to indicate the onset of a disease, the progression of treatment, and exposure to biological and chemical agents. In Phase I, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) developed a novel optical… More

In order to overcome the limitations of conventional rigorous time-consuming, off-line NDE for large area structures, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with Professor Ajit Mal of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the UCLA School of Engineering, proposes in… More

Adhesive bonding is widely used in automotive production, especially for body assembly. During the manufacturing process, it is critical to be able to measure the strength of adhesive bonds in a nondestructive, effective, and rapid manner. However, there is no current means for inspecting these… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The ingestion of foreign bodies and food bolus impaction occur frequently, and are serious threats to human health. In the United States alone, approximately 1,500 people die each year after swallowing foreign bodies, w ith children accounting for about 80% of… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes the development of a mini-manipulator -- ""Artificial Hand with Internal Visual Feedback"" -- for a wide range of robotic manipulations on the miniscale. Evolving from initial studies at UCLA, this device will be… More

The use of taggants to mark and identify objects and materials is an emerging technology with many potential applications. One very important taggant application is the ability to remotely identify appropriately tagged materials and objects from airborne platforms. Biological materials, or… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Leishmaniasis is a disease endemic to India, Africa, Mediterranean nations, South American countries, and southern Texas. Americans visiting Latin American nations as tourists, and soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanist an, have contracted the disease. Polymerase… More

Between any graphite composite part that is in contact with aluminum in typical aerospace structures, there exists a fiberglass corrosion barrier isolation layer. New tighter mating tolerances require a different fabrication process. Current galvanic barrier restoration technology is labor intensive… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop an important element to defend against terror and asymmetric warfare. There is a great need to detect very low concentrations of explosive vapors and other hazardous gases using only a small portable instrument that can be used to monitor,… More

There is an ever-present need to know what is in our nations water in order to protect our people and the environment. The issue of ensuring the safety of drinking water has become more critical in light of homeland security concerns. Water systems must guard against contamination from typical… More

Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a highly reliable, high fidelity, fiber optic hydrophone-based sensor that will consume low power, and offer a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the frequency range desired for monitoring marine acoustics. There is a need to advance the… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Diarrhea is a leading cause of death globally, especially among infants and young children with limited access to medical resources. Although accurate and timely diagnosis of the causative infectious diseases would inc rease survival rates and mitigate epidemic… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Point of care (POC) testing (also referred to as near patient, bed side, or extra laboratory testing) can result in improved clinical outcomes in medical care. These improvements include faster decision making, earlier start of treatment, improved adherence to… More

Ovarian cancer ranks first among gynecological cancers in the number of deaths each year. New diagnostic tools that could be used for the early detection of ovarian cancer could substantially increase the survival rate from this disease. Biomarkers present in serum can be used to provide diagnosis… More

Life on Earth is unique in many ways; one of its great mysteries is that all the biomolecules of Earth's life are chiral and one optical isomer of each amino acid or nucleic acid "building block" was selected by evolution. In our pursuit of finding life on Mars and beyond, it is likely that one of… More

Mechanical damage (typically from third party excavations) is the most frequent source of leaks and ruptures in pipelines.  The most common type of mechanical damage is dents, sometimes associated with secondary features such as gouges, external corrosion, or cracks.  Currently used… More

There is a need to advance the state of the art low power, portable autonomous underwater hydrophones for recording fish spawning calls and other marine acoustics.  Affordable and reliable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) mountable hydrophones that can detect such signals in the presence of… More

In space missions, launch vehicles (LV) are filled with cryogenic propellant fluids. It is important to protect these LVs from any leakage of liquid propellants through a reliable, accurate, leak detection system. Currently used analytical methods do not meet space mission requirements of low power… More

ABSTRACT: The use of taggants to mark and identify objects and materials is an emerging technology with many potential applications. One very important taggant application is the ability to remotely identify appropriately tagged materials and objects from airborne platforms. Biological materials,… More

This research will advance the state-of-the art technology in tunable-focal-length lenses for the visible spectrum and the mid IR wavelengths, by utilizing the unique optical and mechanical properties of polymers, which otherwise are not exploitable by alternative approaches such as electrowetting. … More

The Navy has long had a need for a wide field of view Head Mounted Display to provide situation awareness. Taking into account eye position, the image at the HMD should be presented with highest resolution at the center and much less but still acceptable resolution on peripheries. Intelligent… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a high-power solid-state laser simulator (SoliSim) that will model the chain of processes running in an operating laser. The simulator operational algorithms will reflect multiple possible laser design variants, parameters, and modes of… More

Current manufacturing processes can not meet the worldwide demand for wind turbines. One of the bottlenecks involves the stringent inspection requirements for the welds used for wind turbine tower assembly. Current inspection techniques, which are labor intensive, are applied after the process is… More

Specific signatures of weapons of mass destruction and toxic chemicals, as a rule, are located in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum, and optical fiber is one of the key energy delivery elements of many remote sensing instruments. However, in many circumstances, conventional solid core fibers… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Food bolus ingestion and foreign body impaction occur frequently and are serious threats to human health. In the United States alone, approximately 1,500 people die each year after swallowing foreign bodies, with child ren accounting for about 80% of foreign… More

Detecting explosives and weapons under clothing or in hand carried packages, and imaging terrain and objects through fog and smoke are two high-priority needs that can be met using light in the Terahertz frequency range. However, to image concealed threats, and aid in navigation in fog and smoke, a… More

Life on Earth is unique in many ways; one of its great mysteries is that the building blocks of life on Earth (amino acids, nucleotides, sugars) are all chiral. One optical isomer of each amino acid or nucleic acid was selected by evolution. In our pursuit of finding life on Mars and beyond (Triton,… More

NASA has a need for technologies that will enable them to repair damage to composite structures. Fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials are fast gaining ground as preferred materials for the construction of aircraft and spacecraft. In particular, the use of composites as primary structural… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Noncontact remote dimensional measurements in difficult to access areas are an important part of nondestructive remote visual evaluation in many industrial fields. Endoscopes are the major devices that are used for this purpose. It is impossible, however, to… More

Sand flies are carriers of Leishmaniasis, a disease common to tropical and subtropical countries. Millions of people are infected every year, and thousands of fatalities are attributed to this disease. American and European military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan are being infected with… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Since its earliest developments over 25 years ago, minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery has eliminated the long gashes of traditional surgery. The development of laparoscopic procedures, and the refinement of instrum entation, has made laparoscopic surgery… More

There is a current need for sensor technologies that can be used for the long-term monitoring of groundwater, specifically for chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene (TCE). Sensors should meet required pollutant detection levels and be small enough, yet robust, and be capable of being… More

The detection and characterization of strength-reducing features in composite structures such as rotor blades, notably in the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter program, is of critical importance to the Navy. Nondestructive inspection of bridging in tight bends of composites in thick sheets of laminates is… More

Submerged arc welding is commonly used for joining thick plates in panel-line assembly. This technique normally involves double-sided welding, with significant preparation on the back side to promote adequate weld penetration. Currently, completed welds are inspected by ultrasonic or radiographic… More

Not Available

This SBIR Phase I project will focus on the creation of a usable optical sensor for toxicity detection in waste water. The broader/commercial impact of the project will be to transform the wastewater industry through increased automation and accuracy.

Reliable and cost-effective monitoring is important to making storage of industrially generated carbon dioxide in deep geologic reservoirs safe and acceptable. Sequestration sites must be monitored before injection, during injection, in the closure phase, and in the post-closure phase (when ongoing… More

This project furthers the goal of enhancing the situational awareness of incident commanders by integrating radiation detectors in GLANSER. As stated in the GLANSER BAA 09-02, "there is an overarching requirement and a need for this capability to have interoperability and seamless integration… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Traumatic wounds contain devitalized tissue, bacteria and associated foreign bodies, grass, soil, and bone fractions, depending on how and where the injury occurred. Wounds caused by blast impact from modern weaponry inwar scenarios are usually more severe, and… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this Phase II project, Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) will prototype a cost-effective handheld chemical detection device that will enable first responders to rapidly and accurately identify multiple contaminants, measure their concentration, and… More

The storage of industrially generated carbon dioxide in deep geologic formations is being seriously evaluated as a method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Reliable and cost-effective monitoring is required to demonstrate that geologic storage is safe and effective for… More

Advanced sensing technologies are needed to more efficiently address the requirements for the long- and short-term monitoring of groundwater, specifically for chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene. Current monitoring procedures can be expensive, as they generally require on-site visits… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Accurate quantification of blood alcohol in emergency rooms (ERs) is an important screening step for a precise diagnosis and hence for prompt treatment. Some severe emergencies such as traumatic head injury, diabetes, and stroke can be misdiagnosed as alcohol… More

Techniques employed by expert operators to enhance the ability to detect, locate and track radiation sources are straightforward in concept but require substantial skill in execution and in interpretation of the detector readings obtained, combined with the operator's visual observations. By… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a multimodal measurement tool to provide an assessment of the overall state of engineered soft tissue and its maturity for transplantation. The proposed multimodal system will provide continuous, real time, nondestructive, quantitative assessment… More

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop an intrinsically safe hypergolic leak detection system using its well established, optical based sensing techniques. Highly stable, sensitive, reversible colorimetric indicators will be used to detect monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.… More

Detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as V, H, and G agents is currently performed using the easy-to-use, simple, and rapid M8 test papers to detect and differentiate among these agents. However, frequent replacement is usually required for these test papers in outdoor applications… More