Tunable Nonlocal Metasurfaces for Edge Computing and Processing
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is seeking proposals for Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR topic OSW26BZ04-DV011 to design, fabricate, and characterize tunable nonlocal metasurfaces. Awardees must develop prototype mid-wave infrared devices that perform front-end, analog optical pre-processing and edge computing directly within the optical path of thermal-imaging systems. To succeed, devices must utilize practical, high-index transparent dielectrics and operate under realistic, partially coherent illumination conditions while demonstrating compatibility with relevant numerical apertures and low SWaP-C burdens. Deliverables include a predictive simulation framework, associated source code, and a fully integrated prototype system comprising custom hardware, software, and at least five devices to be delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory. Proposals must be submitted during the open period from July 22, 2026, until the closing deadline on August 19, 2026.