Metamaterial-Based Risley-Prism-Like Optical Steering Elements
ID: AF24D-T002Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Metamaterial-Based Risley-Prism-Like Optical Steering Elements

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: STTRPhase: BOTH

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of metamaterial-based Risley-prism-like optical steering elements. The primary objective is to create a thin, flat optical element capable of deflecting light in a single forward direction, addressing limitations of traditional Risley Prisms, such as high polarization sensitivity and narrow spectral bandwidth. These advanced optical components are intended for various applications, including sensor testing in hardware-in-the-loop environments, target tracking, and laser communications, with significant potential for commercialization in both military and industrial sectors. Interested parties should note that the opportunity is currently open, with proposals due by November 6, 2024, and further details can be found at the official solicitation link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1729929013657.pdf
    Similar Opportunities
    Affordable IR Sensors for Proliferated LEO Missile Tracking Constellation -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for affordable midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies aimed at enhancing missile detection and tracking capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The primary objective is to develop a complete sensor prototype that demonstrates high sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended LEO operations, and compatibility with small satellite platforms, all while achieving significant cost reductions through innovative materials and manufacturing processes. This initiative is critical for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations, ensuring effective defense against advanced missile threats. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase-II effort, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and must demonstrate prior feasibility studies and a clear plan for integration with U.S. Department of Air Force operations.
    Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for the Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an acoustic-based communication system that enables small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to communicate and determine their relative positions using sound generated by their propellers as a carrier wave. This technology is crucial for military applications where multiple drones operate in close proximity without relying on GPS or radio frequencies, enhancing their operational effectiveness and safety. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with the feasibility study phase (Phase I) focusing on system design options and achievable data rates, followed by prototype development in Phase II. For more details, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The initiative aims to address critical capability gaps by developing compact, high-performance platforms that enable rapid, precise, and survivable engagements from space, focusing on high-G propulsion systems, advanced seekers, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors integrated into space vehicles. This effort is crucial for establishing a layered missile defense architecture and enhancing national security against evolving missile threats. Interested parties should prepare Direct-to-Phase-II proposals, as Phase I awards will not be made, with applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Pulsed High-power Laser Accelerators to Study radiation Hardening (PHLASH) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through DARPA, is seeking proposals for the Pulsed High-power Laser Accelerators to Study Radiation Hardening (PHLASH) program, which aims to develop a compact, scalable laser driver for electron beam generation to enhance radiation testing of microelectronic systems intended for space applications. The primary objective is to demonstrate a prototype laser driver capable of generating 50-MeV electron beam energies at a pulse repetition rate exceeding 100 Hz, with a design that can be scaled to 100 GeV at 1 kHz, all within a compact footprint of less than 250 m³. This initiative addresses the limitations of existing heavy-ion accelerator facilities by leveraging Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) technology, which allows for high-energy electron packet generation over significantly shorter distances. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Novel Sampling Tickets for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of Chemical and Biological (CB) Threat Materials -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of novel sampling tickets designed for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to detect chemical and biological (CB) threat materials. The primary objective is to create physically semi-porous, flexible coupons that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of existing handheld Raman detectors, which currently face challenges in identifying trace amounts of hazardous substances from various surfaces in operational environments. This initiative is crucial for improving the capabilities of military units in detecting a range of threats, including nerve agents and toxins, thereby enhancing battlefield safety and operational effectiveness. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is CBD254-006, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and proposals are due by December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) designed to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities, focusing on compact, high-performance interceptors that can operate in extreme thermal environments and manage unpredictable trajectories. The opportunity is structured as a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility and provide a comprehensive development timeline, with key deadlines set for proposal submission by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework tailored for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a rapidly evolving constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance, quantifies knowledge gain against resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, utilizing probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This initiative is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test campaigns in support of SDA's agile acquisition model, with Phase I being a direct-to-Phase II proposal process requiring a feasibility study. The opportunity is set to open for applications on December 10, 2025, with a closing date of December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link.
    Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) aimed at significantly reducing the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The primary objective is to create an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic emissions, achieving at least a 50% reduction in audibility, while ensuring the system is adaptable to various UAS platforms and maintains a low visual signature. This technology is crucial for enhancing the stealth capabilities of Special Operations Forces during tactical operations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is SOCOM254-008, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For further details, please visit the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities aimed at managing proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The primary objective is to mature key technologies that facilitate safe and scalable satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites that encounter mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit. This initiative is crucial for establishing a commercially sustainable DaaS market, reducing technical and operational risks, and laying the groundwork for future demonstration missions. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an Integrated Science and Technology (S&T) Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is intended to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric system that offers comprehensive visibility into the industry and investment ecosystem, focusing on S&T capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. This initiative is critical for improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening institutional knowledge for data-informed co-investment strategies. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort, requiring prior feasibility work, with proposals due by December 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.