Abstract: Disclosed is an improved Sagnac interferometer sensor for inertial navigation and guidance systems (e.g., inertial measurement units (IMUs)) that affords a reduced area architecture. The sensor implements optical folding architectures and techniques to increase the optical path length of the Sagnac interferometer. The folding optical architecture increases the total optical path, which thereby increases the total phase difference between two counter-rotating optical beams in the Sagnac interferometer. The technique increases accuracy and durability of IMUs without the need for an increase in size, weight, and cost.

Abstract: A portable and rapid communication or signaling device and related methods for operating or using tactile identification structures as well as coupling/mounting/release structures which enable rapid identification of similarly shaped objects and rapid deployment or use with safety or other equipment. Various embodiments enable using a common mounting location of these similarly shaped objects that each have different spectrum or color emissive capabilities that improve operator selection within conditions further impairing identification and employment and increase operator cognitive load.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling a notch-based element that retains traditional notch ultra wideband (UWB) performance while having a highly-producible/-scalable structure, high power handling, a simple single-ended 50 ohm feeding, and relative insensitivity to a conductive back-plate. Embodiments of the present disclosure improve upon the traditional notch structure to further offer shorter element depth, lighter weight, and modularized assembly.

Abstract: Acoustic wave devices based on epitaxially grown heterostructures comprising appropriate combinations of epitaxially grown metallic transition metal nitride (TMN) layers, epitaxially grown Group III-nitride (III-N) piezoelectric semiconductor thin film layers, and epitaxially grown perovskite oxide (PO) layers. The devices can include bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, high overtone bulk acoustic resonator (HBAR) devices, and composite devices comprising HBAR devices integrated with high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs).

Abstract: The invention is a system for the in-situ monitoring of additive manufacturing. The system, without pre-calibration of a test sample, utilizes ultrasonic waves to conduct a layer-by-layer analysis of a three-dimensional component as it is being developed on a build plate. Resonant frequencies for each layer is measured and the difference between the resonant frequencies of consecutive layers are calculated to define a baseline frequency. Similarities or differences in baseline frequencies are used to validate the integrity of the layers of the component, and also to determine if structural inconsistencies exists. Based on these determinations, the system decides whether to continue printing or to halt printing.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing nanoparticles of a metal nitride, boride, silicide, or carbide, a filler material, and a carbonaceous matrix. The precursor to this material contains nanoparticles or particles of boron, silicon, iron, a refractory metal, or a refractory metal hydride, an organic compound having carbon and hydrogen, and a filler material. Multilayered materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for bonding infrared transparent materials by placing a polymer comprising at least one chalcogenide element and crosslinking moieties between infrared-transparent optical elements and applying heat, pressure, or both. The crosslinking moieties may be organic, inorganic, or both. Also disclosed is the related bonded assembly comprising infrared transparent optical elements.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes an aperture antenna. The antenna apparatus also includes a compact polarimetric monopulse waveguide antenna feed configured to communicate with the aperture antenna. Optionally, the compact polarimetric monopulse waveguide antenna feed includes a monopulse antenna feed configured to communicate with the aperture antenna. The compact polarimetric monopulse waveguide antenna feed also includes a compact polarimetric monopulse feed network configured to communicate with the monopulse antenna feed.

Abstract: Peptides that form adhesive bonds, even in aqueous and/or saline environments, are disclosed. When aggregated, the peptides may be used in methods for producing hydrogels and/or adhesive materials. Synthetic peptide analogs are provided that are designed based on protein sequences found in barnacle adhesive, and may optionally be augmented with chemistry from other organisms that secrete proteins that adhere to substrates. The peptides may be used, for example, in biomedical and aqueous applications. Methods of using the aggregated peptides as adhesives are also provided.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism is provided for disposing a plurality of filters into and out of a camera line-of-sight. The mechanism includes a base, a pair of frames, an axial shaft, a plurality of filter housings and a plurality of pivotable drivers. The base includes an auxiliary platform. The frames flank the base, and the shaft is disposed between the frames. Each filter housing holds a corresponding optical filter and is disposable in a deployment position in the line-of-sight and a withdrawn position out of the line-of-sight. The drivers are disposed on the platform. Each driver corresponds to an associated housing and is rotatable along the shaft to swing at least one housing between deployment and withdrawn positions upon command.

Abstract: Provided is a broadband multi-line laser beam combiner apparatus and method that allows a broader spectrum of light to be emitted from a single optical path. The disclosed apparatus and method provide the ability to combine a number of unique laser lines including both visual and infrared light as one optical beam that is emitted from a single emission aperture or window using both conventional dichroic mirrors and an imaging dichroic mirror. The apparatus and method are based, in part, on an optical material selection and design that affords the ability to combine multiple broadband laser sources. Rather than merely emitting discrete laser lines, the presently disclosed broadband multi-line laser beam combiner can emit an “ultra-wide-continuum” of wavelengths from approximately 400 nm to 5000 nm at emitted optical powers greater than five (5) Watts from one emission aperture/window.

Abstract: A system and related methods that generate encryption keys using two inputs. The first input is random data measured or supplied at the time the encryption keys are created. The second input is predetermined data held by the server and device. Given knowledge of the predetermined data and the random data, the UxS will be able to regenerate its previous encryption keys and also to re-establish communication by the server and device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and processes to prepare pre-mixed compositions that can be combined to form pyrotechnic compositions in mixed multiple parts. In exemplary embodiments, a binder curing agent ingredient is premixed with pyrotechnic fuels and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. Other binder ingredients such as a binder resin can be premixed with the pyrotechnic oxidizers and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. The resulting mixtures are not explosive and are much safer to handle and easier to store for extended shelf-life over a final pyrotechnic composition. Further, the pre-mixed mixtures can be stored in bulk until needed and rapidly combined to achieve the final pyrotechnic composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for color-enhancing satellite data in a manner that is specific to the true color ocean signal, i.e., the light that is emanating from the ocean surface. These color enhanced images, in turn, can be used as a scientific research and monitoring tool for studying the coastal ocean.

Abstract: The invention relates to heterostructures including a layer of a two-dimensional material placed on a multiferroic layer. An ordered array of differing polarization domains in the multiferroic layer produces corresponding domains having differing properties in the two-dimensional material. When the multiferroic layer is ferroelectric, the ferroelectric polarization domains in the layer produce local electric fields that penetrate the two-dimensional material. The local electric fields can influence properties of the two-dimensional material, including carrier density, transport properties, optical properties, surface chemistry, piezoelectric-induced strain, magnetic properties, and interlayer spacing. Methods for producing the heterostructures are provided. Devices incorporating the heterostructures are also provided, including tunable sensors, optical emitters, and programmable logic gates.

Abstract: A method for activating implanted dopants and repairing damage to dopant-implanted GaN to form n-type or p-type GaN. A GaN substrate is implanted with n- or p-type ions and is subjected to a high-temperature anneal to activate the implanted dopants and to produce planar n- or p-type doped areas within the GaN having an activated dopant concentration of about 1018-1022 cm?3. An initial annealing at a temperature at which the GaN is stable at a predetermined process temperature for a predetermined time can be conducted before the high-temperature anneal. A thermally stable cap can be applied to the GaN substrate to suppress nitrogen evolution from the GaN surface during the high-temperature annealing step. The high-temperature annealing can be conducted under N2 pressure to increase the stability of the GaN. The annealing can be conducted using laser annealing or rapid thermal annealing (RTA).

Abstract: An article having a nanoporous membrane and a nanoporous graphene sheet layered on the nanoporous membrane. A method of: depositing a layer of a diblock copolymer onto a graphene sheet, and etching a minor phase of the diblock copolymer and a portion of the graphene in contact with the minor phase to form a nanoporous article having a nanoporous graphene sheet and a nanoporous layer of a polymer. A method of: depositing a hexaiodo-substituted macrocycle onto a substrate having a Ag(111) surface; coupling the macrocycle to form a nanoporous graphene sheet; layering the graphene sheet and substrate onto a nanoporous membrane with the graphene sheet in contact with the nanoporous membrane; and etching away the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turreted electro-optic sensor installation and removal fixture. the base with integral cushion supports the sensor vertically and is the interface between the turreted electro-optic sensor installation and removal fixture and an agnostic lift device. The support arms with integral cushions secure the sensor horizontally and minimize any swaying movement of the sensor. The quick disconnect pins lock the support arms to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a high strength, small grain size ceramic having a transgranular fracture mode by rapid densification of a green body and subsequent cooling of the densified ceramic. The ceramic may include dislocations, defects, dopants, and/or secondary phases that are formed as a result of the process and resulting in stress fields capable of redirecting or arresting cracks within the material. This ceramic can maintain transparency from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared.

Abstract: A cooling system employs at least one composite elastocaloric device. Each composite device has a first member with a first material and a second member with an elastocaloric material. The first material increases in size in response to an applied electric or magnetic field and returns to its prior size upon removal of the applied electric or magnetic field. The first and second members are mechanically coupled together such that the increase in size of the first material applies a stress to the elastocaloric material and the return of the first material to its prior size releases said stress, thereby causing the elastocaloric material to absorb heat.