Radiation-Hardened Quartz Oscillators
ID: N242-103Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Radiation-Hardened Quartz Oscillators

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024
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 radiation-hardened quartz oscillators. These oscillators are crucial for integrating system sensor data and calculating position with high accuracy in strategic applications. The goal is to create quartz oscillators with radiation hardness that exceeds the capabilities of commercially-available space-qualified oscillators. The research will involve developing new electronics designs and using higher purity quartz. The project will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I focusing on understanding radiation environments and production methods, and Phase II involving the growth and processing of high-purity quartz and the delivery of prototypes for evaluation. The work under this effort may become classified in Phase II. The potential impacts of this technology extend beyond military applications, as it can also benefit commercial and scientific systems operating in harsh environments, such as communication and navigation satellites. The development of radiation-hardened quartz oscillators can improve reliability, reduce system costs, and enhance the lifetime of timing components. The solicitation is open until June 12, 2024, and more information can be found on the grants.gov website.

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