Aluminum Nitride-Based Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits
ID: A24B-T005Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Aluminum Nitride-Based Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2605941

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of Aluminum Nitride-Based Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs). The goal of this solicitation is to leverage recent achievements in Aluminum Nitride (AlN) and Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN) to create commercializable AlN-based MMICs that outperform current state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride (GaN) MMICs for higher power/frequency applications. The research and development work will focus on establishing materials properties and fabrication routes for AlN-based devices, including the design and fabrication of resonators for microwave or RF circuits. The anticipated product is a fully integrated microwave circuit presented as a prototype.

The project will be conducted in three phases. In Phase I, the awardee will design and fabricate AlN-based microwave/mmWave resonators to extract the substrate's frequency-dependent material properties. In Phase II, the awardee will design, fabricate, and characterize AlN-based resonators up to 170 GHz, demonstrate substrate thinning and through substrate vias (TSV), and integrate waveguides with electronic elements aligned with the proposed application. In Phase III, the focus will be on the development of a truly integrated MMIC, including reliability testing/qualification and the production of a process design kit. The potential for technology transfer to military systems and civilian applications will also be explored.

The project duration is not specified in the document, but the solicitation is currently open, with a closing date of June 12, 2024. The funding specifics are not provided in the document. For more information and to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Solid-State Scalable/Tileable Imaging Detector for High-Energy Neutron Radiography
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for a solid-state scalable/tileable imaging detector for high-energy neutron radiography. The objective is to deliver a state-of-the-art high-energy neutron radiography imaging/detector. The technology will be used in conjunction with a source of high-energy neutrons to achieve a state-of-the-art neutron radiography system. The project will consist of three phases. In Phase I, the proposer must prove the principle through a white paper study that demonstrates strong evidence that a solid-state neutron detector can be designed and constructed on a chip. In Phase II, the proposer will build and deliver a tiled detector with minimum dimensions of 11" square that is effective for 1 MeV neutrons. The detector should provide short acquisition imaging times, high contrast, high spatial resolution, and high signal-to-noise ratio. In Phase III, the proposer will explore dual-use applications of the technology. Potential applications include accurate and fast inspections of Army ammunition, armaments, and other products for quality, safety, and lethality. The technology could also be used for compact, lightweight, self-contained scalable detectors in the detection of materials that emit gamma/beta rays or sub-atomic particles, such as radioactive isotopes, contamination, and special nuclear material. Commercial applications could include ground stationary check points, aerial applications, and underground/underwater drilling/mining applications. The project duration is not specified, but the proposal submission deadline is March 31, 2025. More information can be found on the DOD SBIR website (https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions and identifying the source of RF interference in police and first responder communications systems, and improving communication and navigation capabilities in maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" in their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions in police and first responder communications systems caused by RF interference, and improving communication between maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dual Band Focal Plane Array in High Definition Format
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a small energy-efficient self-contained transceiver capable of wireless communication without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The goal is to utilize a non-standard means of signal communication, such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The transceiver should be highly resistant to interference, detection, and exploitation, and be self-contained, man-portable, easily concealable, and field programmable. The project duration is divided into two phases: Phase I involves creating a design and rationale supporting the solution, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype. The final product should be fully documented and include operating instructions, interface control documents, and programmability commands. The potential impacts of this technology include new mission deployment possibilities for remote sensor operation and control, as well as applications in areas such as home security, healthcare, additive manufacturing, and automotive safety. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website [here](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Automated Functional Grading of Materials for Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of software for automated functional grading of materials in directed energy deposition additive manufacturing. This research topic aims to enable the production of complex, multi-material munitions with enhanced lethality. The software should allow for the creation of functionally graded materials (FGMs) by generating tool paths for multi-material grading in at least three directions. The software should be capable of accepting user inputted gradients for combinations of at least four metals simultaneously. In Phase I, a proof-of-concept software should be developed to print FGMs on a directed energy deposition additive manufacturing printer. The software should be able to accept user-generated gradients and demonstrate control over changing the mixing of metals. Materials characterization should be performed to verify the chemistry of the deposited gradient. In Phase II, the software should be expanded into a prototype capability, allowing for user-defined material grading using up to four metals simultaneously. Graded test coupons should be fabricated in multiple orientations, and a demonstration part containing a functionally graded material should be generated. Materials characterization should be performed for each coupon. The development of this software will greatly increase manufacturing capability and potentially help increase widespread adoption of directed energy deposition additive manufacturing technology. The military and civilian sectors, including manufacturing research, aerospace, mining, power, tool manufacturing, and medical applications, would benefit from this technology. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2651311).