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Ultra-High Density Nano-Grained Multispectral YAG Windows

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68936-12-C-0100
Agency Tracking Number: N112-115-0620
Amount: $79,998.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N112-115
Solicitation Number: 2011.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-10-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2151, Harvey Mitchell Pkwy South STE# 225
College Station, TX -
United States
DUNS: 626135755
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 D Ravichandran
 President, Nea Business D
 (979) 696-7070
 ravi@texasbiochemicals.com
Business Contact
 DEvan Balachari
Title: Vice president, R&D
Phone: (979) 696-7070
Email: devan@texasbiochemicals.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Texas Biochemicals Inc, proposes to develop Polycrystalline Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) as a cost effective material to replace Sapphires for IR transparent multispectral (1-5 microns) sensor windows. We have recently developed a novel technology to produce mono-dispersed, non-agglomerated and ultra-high purity YAG nano-powders. These powders with grain growth reducing sintering additives were used to produce flat IR transparent nano-grained samples by a novel route. Preliminary results showed high stiffness (~ 330 GPa Young"s modulus), and low optical scatter due to small grain size. In the Phase-I project, we will demonstrate that the material conforms to the requirements of optical transmission, optical scatter, mechanical strength and Young's modulus. A DoD prime contractor's facilities will be used for sample evaluations, with whom we have established an on-going collaboration for the manufacture of ZnS for IR domes and windows applications. Cost estimation and a path forward to manufacture sizes needed by the US Navy will also be addressed in Phase I. On a follow-on Phase II project, we will demonstrate durability, repeatability, and fine tune the fabrication procedures for needed sizes. Collaboration with a DoD prime contractor who is highly interested in this technology will facilitate rapid insertion of the technology for commercialization.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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