Abstract: A polymer matrix composite includes layers that alternate between a thin carbon fiber veil layer and a thicker base carbon fiber reinforcement layer. Each veil is coated with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prior to being added as a laminate layer. Epoxy resin fixes CNTs extended into adjacent reinforcement layers, which results in a composite improved in interlaminar strength, fracture toughness, and impact resistance. Thermal and electrical conductivity are also improved due to the conductive CNTs bridging the resin-insulating interlayer region. As the fuzzy fiber veil is not relied on to provide strength or stiffness to the composite structure, any damage to the veil will not affect composite integrity. Also, as the CNT growth is not on a replacement section of reinforcement layer, the composite avoids pitfalls of strength degradation, reinforcing phase continuity disruption, and residual stress introduction.

Abstract: A tunable QCL source that utilizes a full bandwidth of a broadband THz QCL, and produces a significantly large number of frequency channels, is provided. The tunable QCL source includes a grating router configured to receive a terahertz frequency from a tunable quantum cascade laser and generate a plurality of terahertz frequencies. The tunable QCL source also includes a waveguide controller configured to receive the plurality of terahertz frequencies from the grating router, and select a desired terahertz frequency from the plurality of terahertz frequencies to be outputted by a waveguide multiplexer.

Abstract: An imager is provided for viewing subcutaneous structures. In an embodiment of the invention, the imager includes a camera configured to generate a video frame, and an adaptive nonlinear processor. The adaptive nonlinear processor is configured to adjust a signal of the video frame below a first threshold to a maximum dark level and to adjust the signal of the video frame above a second threshold to a maximum light level. The imager further includes a display, configured to display the processed video frame.

Abstract: A solid-state radiation detector includes a pattern of conductive metal on a zinc oxide substrate. The pattern provides an arrangement of interdigitated electrode fingers. The wide band gap substrate is sensitive to UV light, which can cause a conductivity change in the substrate. The electrode fingers are configured to sense a difference in substrate conductivity resulting from UV light. The detector has a fast response time, which enables it to detect Cherenkov light. The compact detector provides savings on size, weight, and required power. Thus, the solid-state detector can be used to replace photomultiplier tubes in Cherenkov detectors. The features of the novel detector allow for an improved system to detect and monitor UV radiation, especially during deep space missions.

Abstract: Use of a single alloy conductor to form simultaneous ohmic contacts (SOC) to n- and p-type 4H-SiC. The single alloy conductor also is an effective diffusion barrier against gold (AU) and oxygen (O2) at high temperatures (e.g., up to 800° C.). The innovation may also provide an effective interconnecting metallization in a multi-level metallization device scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program that can learn a linear or non-linear transfer function are disclosed. In one embodiment, for example, a computer-implemented method may include creating a plurality of combinations for at least one input, and calculating an output for the plurality of combinations. The method may also include calculating an error based on the calculated output.