Address
4555 Overlook Avenue, SW
Code 1004
Washington, DC 20375-5320
United StatesLaboratory Representative
(P)
202-767-7230
Tech Transfer Website:
http://www.nrl.navy.mil/techtransfer/Description
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, Key West, Florida, and Monterey, California, and employs approximately 2,500 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
Technology Disciplines
Displaying 1 - 10 of 186
3 MV Tandem Pelletron Accelerator
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: Generates high-energy ions for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), near-surface analysis, high energy ion implantation, and radiation effects studies. DESCRIPTION: Negative ions are generated by Cs sputtering of a solid, or by attaching electrons onto neutral or positive ions by Cs or Rb vapor. Beam currents generated vary from μA to tens of μA depending on the source and ion chosen. Two Pelletron charging chains produce a terminal voltage up to 3 MV in the accelerator. Negative ions are injected at 10 to 70 keV, accelerated up to the terminal where they undergo collisions with a stripper gas or a carbon stripper foil and lose electrons, then are accelerated as positive ions back to ground potential. For AMS, the relative intensity of selected ions measures their concentration in the sample of interest located in the ion source. On the analysis beamline, the sample of interest is located at the end of the beamline, and a signal generated by scattering of incident high-energy ions indicates the composition of the sample. Incident high-energy ions can also be used todamage the surface of a sample of interest, or to introduce a dopant. INSTRUMENTATION: Four ion sources: (1) National Electrostatics Corp. (NEC) Mutli-Cathode Source of Negative Ions by Cesium Sputtering (MC-SNICS) 40-cathode ion source; (2) custom multi-cusp gas-feed ion source under development for AMS; (3) front end of Cameca IMS 6f secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS); and (4) NEC Alphatross ion source to generate He ion beams. A unique Pretzel magnet coupled with an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) functions as a bandpass mass filter for the ion sources, covering a mass range from 1 to 240 amu. The tandem accelerator is an NEC model 9SDH-2 with a 3 MV terminal potential. An electrostatic bend selects the high-energy-ion charge state to be transmitted to the AMS beamline. This beamline provides mass-independent parallel transport through use of all-electrostatic components, including a 45° spherical ESA with an E/ Δ E of 800. Parallel mass analysis is performed with an Enge split-pole spectrograph having a 1.5-m-long focal plane covering a mass range of a factor of 8 with an M/ Δ M of about 2500. Intense beams are detected by well-shielded Faraday cups, weak beams are detected by position-sensitive microchannel plate detectors and energy detectors. Ions for non-AMS applications are transported through the spectrograph to a switching magnet that selects either (1) an analysis beamline with a variable-angle Si particle detector for Rutherford backscattering and elastic recoil detection analysis, manual and computer-controlled goniometers for ion channeling, and a 0.02 sr acceptance solid-angle, double-focusing, 180° magnetic spectrometer with 0.2% energy resolution; or (2) a high energy ion implantation beamline for uniform ion implantation over a 4-in.-diameter wafer, with heating and water or liquid nitrogen cooling of the sample. All beamlines have cryopumps or turbopumps for clean vacuum conditions.
300 Hz and 500 Hz Autonomous Acoustic Sources
Address:
Chesapeake Beach
Region:
Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: Provide acoustic researchers with autonomous, bottom-moored sound sources, which provide precise, highly stable frequency transmissions at GPS trackable times. The accuracy of the sources enables research into environmental perturbations of sound propagated through ocean media. DESCRIPTION: The equipment consists of two sources, one centered at 300 Hz and another at 500 Hz. Each source uses a pressure-compensated flexural bar projector. The sources have a bandwidth of +/-10% about the center frequency. The accuracy of the transmit time and transmit frequency is controlled by a rubidium oscillator that can be disciplined to the GPS satellite system before deployment. The output level is adjustable with a maximum output of 183 dB. Pucks of D-cells contained in two pressure housings provide energy. The systems are rated to 200 meters. A full complement of pucks allows the sources to operate for 21 days at a 50% duty cycle and output level of 181 dB. Each system has an internal rubidium oscillator, and PC-104 electronics for timing and frequency generation. The systems are capable of continuous-wave, frequency modulated (FM) waveforms and arbitrary pseudorandom waveforms. Waveform types can be mixed within a transmit schedule, being limited only by the projectors, available programmable system memory, and energy levels desired. INSTRUMENTATION: There are two independent systems. Each system consists of an EAI projector, Seascan signal generator/system, PC-104 electronics, and Webb Research assembly. One operates at 300 Hz and the other at 500 Hz. Each system includes a pressure-compensated projector, two pressure housings, and internal programmable electronics for transmit frequency and waveform, plus timing control.
Acoustic Communications Measurement Systems (ACOMMS)
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: Design and develop adaptive signal processing techniques to improve underwater acoustic communications and networking. Phase coherent and incoherent signal patterns are transmitted from NRL's acoustic projector source systems through the underwater medium to NRL's receiver systems. Improved signal processing techniques are developed and refined to minimize the bit error rate and to evaluate environmental influences on the processor's performance. DESCRIPTION: Our acoustic communications research systems enable our team to conduct experiments at frequencies from 3 to 60 kHz. Source signal patterns are designed by NRL, transmitted into the ocean medium, and received at distances out to 15 km. The received signals are processed in situ and recorded for post-experiment data processing. Acoustic Communications Data Storage (ACDS) buoy systems transmit at source levels up to 185 dB. For higher sound pressure levels, an acoustic projector mounted in our 4-ft V-fin towbody develops up to 200 dB. ACDS buoy systems include 8-element vertical line arrays with variable apertures.Our shipboard-based vertical array has a wide aperture of 16 elements and is deployed from a vessel at anchor. Relative position, speed, and depth of our projectors and receiver arrays are carefully controlled throughout the experiments. Impact of Doppler and signal-to-noise ratio on system performance is measured and algorithms developed to improve performance. Our ACDS systems are normally moored to the sea floor with the acoustic elements suspended in the water column. However, one ACDS system has been modified for attachment to a tow frame, and in this configuration it provides a near-ideal autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) test platform. Each of the ACDS systems provides semi-autonomous operations for up to 78 hours. Custom-designed software is used for onboard data monitoring and signal processing. Back in the lab, advanced signal processing algorithms are applied to the recorded signals to extract the phase-encoded bit patterns and to improve communication accuracy. INSTRUMENTATION: (1) ACDS buoy systems include three deployed modem systems, a shipboard control station, and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication links. Each deployed modem system includes one acoustic projector (3, 10, or 20 kHz), eight hydrophones, 300 GB of data storage, and three computers. The systems can be moored to the ocean bottom or towed behind a surface vessel. (2) Towed source systems include 3- and 4-ft V-fin towbodies mounted with acoustic projectors, driven by 2-kW power amplifiers. (3) Shipboard-based receiver system includes a custom 16-channel hydrophone array, signal processing electronics, and data monitoring and data recording equipment.
Advanced Microscopy Facility
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: Provides a facility for high-resolution studies of complex biomolecular systems. The goal is an understanding of how to engineer biomolecules for various applications, including sensors, self-assembled lipid microstructures, patterned surfaces, and biomaterials. DESCRIPTION: The facility includes electron microscopes, a darkroom, and adjacent biochemical laboratories for sample preparation and additional chemical/physical characterization of proteins, lipids, DNA, and cells. INSTRUMENTATION: Leo 1455 digital scanning electron microscope Hitachi H8100 analytical electron microscope (AEM) TopoMetrix Explorer atomic force microscope (AFM) Digital Instruments Dimension 3100 AFM Zeiss LIBRA-120 energy filtering transmission electron microscope Scanning probe microscope capable of multimode atomic force Microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) Nikon C1 Confocal Microscope System Scanning-tip AFM capable of imaging large samples using contact mode, noncontact mode, lateral force mode, and force modulation mode TopoMetrix Aurora nearfield scanning optical microscope (NSOM) Optical equipment Confocal fluorescent microscope Continuous wave (CW) fluorimeter and microscope Optical and fluorescence microscopes Balzers BAF400 freeze fracture apparatus High-speed ultracentrifuges.
Advanced Multifunction Radio Frequency Concept Testbed
Address:
Chesapeake Beach
Region:
Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: The AMRFC testbed was developed as a proof-of-principle demonstration system that is capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving multiple beams from common transmit and receive array antennas for radar, electronic warfare, and communications. These RF functions are controlled by common resource allocation manager (RAM) software over a real-time control network. New RF functionality may be readily added to the testbed as required for further demonstrations. DESCRIPTION: Testbed electronics are housed in seven converted 20-ft shipping containers, or trailers. The arrays are mounted on a 15-degree tiltback in the ends of two of the trailers overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, emulating a possible shipboard installation. Packaging the testbed electronics into trailers provides the ability to support laboratory equipment in a protected environment, and provides options to transport testbed assets to other test locations, such as aboard ship. One set of stacked trailers is allocated to the transmit array and associated signal generation electronics. A second stacked trailer pair is allocated to the receive array and associated digital receiver, digital beamforming, and electronic surveillance receive electronics. A fifth trailer houses the testbed communication electronics, and the remaining two trailers provide the central processing, displays, and operations electronics. INSTRUMENTATION: The testbed consists of separate active transmit and receive arrays that operate over the 6 to18 GHz band (nominally). Current functionality includes a multimode navigation/surface surveillance Doppler radar, multiple communication links (line of sight and satellite), and passive and active electronic warfare capabilities. Additionally, several fixed dish antennas are located at the site for testing with equipment located at Tilghman Island. An over-the-air Ethernet link was also developed for remote control of Tilghman Island equipment.
Advanced Silicon Carbide Epitaxial Research Facility
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: The premier research laboratory in the DoD for exploration of growth of the wide bandgap semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) using high-temperature chemical vapor deposition and a hot-walled geometry. Current research aims at establishing tight control of point and extended defects in thick epitaxial layers for use in high-voltage, high-current power electronic devices. Research activities range from basic research studies of materials and crystal growth tomore applied investigations involving devices. DESCRIPTION: Homoepitaxial growth of SiC layers on SiC substrates is accomplished by the reaction of silane and propane at temperatures between 1500° and 1800 °C and pressures of 50-200 mbar. Growth rates are varied from 2 μm/hr to 15 μm/hr. The crystal quality is a direct function of the substrate preparation and growth conditions used, such as the ratio of carbon to silicon atoms in the gas phase. The epilayers can be doped either n- or p-type from 1 x 10 14 cm -3to 5 x 10 18 cm -3using dopants such as nitrogen or aluminum, respectively. In situ growth monitoring with mass spectrometry and laser-based reflectance techniques permits study of the growth environment. Through knowledge gained from these studies and control of the growth process, different types of complex structures can be grown. The equipment is housed in a specially designed and constructed laboratory space for the chemicals used in the growth process. INSTRUMENTATION: The laboratory comprises two adjacent facilities: the Growth Facility and the Immediate Characterization Facility. The Growth Facility is centered about an Epigress/Aixtron VP508 high-temperature chemical vapor deposition reactor that is widely used in the SiC community to deposit homoepitaxial SiC epilayers on SiC substrates. The Immediate Characterization Facility hosts tools that permit researchers to rapidly characterize epitaxial wafers, providing feedback to growth efforts.
Airborne Early Warning Radar Facility
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION: Collects, reduces, and analyzes airborne radar data and identifies, develops, and evaluates new techniques for improving the performance of airborne radars. Nearly all new techniques require radars employing multi-element, multichannel antenna arrays. Of particular interest is Space Time Adaptive Processing (STAP), a technique for optimizing radar detection performance in the presence of jamming and clutter. DESCRIPTION: The facility includes a data and signal processing laboratory, and the 10-element Adaptive Array Flight Test Equipment (AAFTE) airborne radar array antenna and STAP laboratory. Data collected using the AAFTE antenna were used in the first successful demonstration of STAP processing. INSTRUMENTATION: Includes an extensively modified APS-125 radar receiver system; a 10-element AAFTE antenna for collecting multichannel airborne array radar data; a rack-mounted STAP pre- and post-processor; a simulation and evaluation suite; and three UNIX computer workstations.
Airborne Surveillance Command and Control (ASC2) Research Platform
Address:
4555 Overlook Avenue S.W.
Washington
Region:
P: 202-767-3083Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 FUNCTION:Acts as a surrogate for carrier-based surveillance, engagement, communication relay, combat identification, and command-and-control capable assets of the evolving family of systems warfare architecture. In addition to the integrated AN/APS-145-based airborne early warning/cooperative engagement capability (AEW/CEC) suites, the aircraft is designed to accommodate command and control (C2), electronicwarfare (EW), radar, and electro-optics (EO) research and development programs well into the next century. DESCRIPTION: The NRL Airborne Surveillance Command and Control (ASC2) research aircraft is an NP-3Daircraft integrated with a full E-2C AEW Hawkeye 2000 suite and an Airborne CEC suite to support the Navy's future AEW/CEC network-centric warfare programs. In addition to the AEW/CEC installation, there are floor and ceiling rails to accommodate six additional operator/equipment consoles in the aft crew compartment, a free-fall sonobuoy chute, space for mounting up to 700 lb of equipment in the forward equipment area, and cross-decked Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) Class II equipment. External wing wiring is installed, including fiber optics to support six external electronic pods. The nose radome area has been fitted for a modified Infrared Radiation Detection System (IRDS) turret that can be lowered and raised to support electro-optics projects. Additional structure mountings are in the nose and tail to accommodate the installation of project antennas. The aircraft can accommodate an additional internal payload of up to 2,800 lb, external payloads of up to 10,000 lb, and a crew of up to 16 people, including military flight crew and project scientists. The avionics suite includes a state-of-the-art, digitally controlled analog ICS system; dual INS; SATCOM; GPS; and seven ultra-high-frequency (UHF), four very-high-frequency (VHF), and two high-power high-frequency (HF) communications systems, all of which are secure communications capable and available for project use. Additionally, it is outfitted with four 90 kVA generators, wired to accommodate future growth of two 120 kVA generators .
Antifoulant Coatings Exposure Site
FUNCTION: Provides "real-world" natural seawater exposure capability in support of Navy S&T efforts to develop and evaluate underwater hull antifoulant systems. DESCRIPTION: This tropical exposure site, located on the U.S. Coast Guard station along the intercoastal waterway in Miami, Florida, facilitates long-term specimen exposure with excellent biofouling capability and supports a key part of the qualification process for new technology assessment. The raft holds in excess of 200 6-in. x 24-in. exposure panels and supports natural growth of both micro- and macrofouling organisms within the Biscayne Bay ecosystem. INSTRUMENTATION: Seawater exposure raft, sample exposure system, and seawater physical chemistry monitoring.
Atmospheric Prediction System Development Laboratory
FUNCTION: Provides connectivity to computational platforms and databases that are necessary for the development, testing, and validation of numerical data assimilation, weather, and ensemble prediction systems. This capability allows for the rapid transition of software development into operations. DESCRIPTION: This laboratory enables scientists at NRL to perform basic and applied research in numerical weather prediction and to take the knowledge learned from this research and quickly apply it to operational data assimilation and prediction systems. The facility allows the scientists to use the same software and databases in all their research that is used in operations at FNMOC, an important component necessary for the improvement of the data assimilation and prediction systems. The high-speed connectivity between the computational resources allows the scientists to share databases, results, and software. Collocation with FNMOC allows developers to access and use computational resources (controlled by operating systems with multilevel security) that will ultimately host the NRL-developed weather prediction systems. INSTRUMENTATION: The laboratory includes an in-house 128-processor computer, a 44-processor Linux cluster, an 88 dual-core processor Linux cluster, individual workstations, and high-speed connectivity which provides direct access to operational supercomputer systems and data, and to the many computational resources at the various Department of Defense High Performance Computing Centers.
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An Army veteran is making the world a safer place with a military technology developed to train bomb-sniffing dogs.
Russ Hubbard, combat veteran and founder/CEO of Per Vivo Labs in Kingsport, Tennessee, donated a pair of Odor Trace devices to the Kingsport Police Department’s K-9 unit on Thursday.
The Naval Research Laboratory developed the mixed odor delivery device (MODD) for safely training explosive detection canines to detect homemade explosives. Homemade explosives are generally composed of two components, an oxidizer and a fuel. When mixed, the substance is volatile and at risk of detonation.
TechLink assisted Hubbard in licensing the patented Navy device in May. Since then, Hubbard sought the advice of his local K-9 police unit to perfect the final product.
The new training aid keeps the individual components separated within a container, then mixes the released vapors to facilitate safe and effective canine training for detection of homemade explosives.
“The Odor Trace Mixed Odor Delivery Device project has reached commercialization,” Hubbard said in an email to the Kingsport Times-News. “The initial production run is complete and assembled. The Odor Trace MODD will be available for commercial purchase on October 1. Two other local businesses have been instrumental in development and production. Partner support from Short Fuse Engineering located in Church Hill and Master Tool and Die of Kingsport have allowed Per Vivo Labs to quickly move from prototype to production rapidly.”
“The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Hubbard for his service and for this generous donation that he has made to our K-9 Unit,” according to a Kingsport Police Department news release.
The Odor Trace MODD is the second military technology that Hubbard has licensed. TechLink also helped Per Vivo Labs finalize a license for the Army’s rate-activated tether technology in February.
“It’s really great to see Russ moving the technology into the marketplace so quickly,” said TechLink’s Austin Leach.
Troy Carter can be reached at troy.carter@montana.edu or 406-994-7798.
