Hydrogenation for defect passivation in (Si)GeSn alloys
ID: SF242-0019Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Hydrogenation for defect passivation in (Si)GeSn alloys

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2608207

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 a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program with a focus on the topic of "Hydrogenation for defect passivation in (Si)GeSn alloys". The objective of this research is to evaluate the improvement of background carrier concentration and minority carrier lifetime in (Si)GeSn semiconductor alloys through post-growth hydrogenation. The incorporation of Sn into Silicon or Germanium semiconductors reduces the bandgap and allows for tunability in the short- to mid-wave infrared wavelength spectrum. However, the short minority carrier lifetime and high background carrier concentration limit device performance. The challenge lies in the trade-off between low growth temperatures that introduce defects and higher growth temperatures that inhibit Sn incorporation. This topic aims to explore post-growth hydrogenation as a means to passivate defects and improve carrier concentration and minority carrier lifetime. The project will involve the development of a hydrogenation recipe and test plan in Phase I, followed by hydrogenation experiments and optimization in Phase II. If successful, the hydrogenation process may be commercialized and applied to other optoelectronic materials with non-optimal growth conditions. The project duration is not specified, but interested parties should submit their proposals by June 12, 2024. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at [link].

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 STTR 24.D Annual - Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)" as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a user facility for an atom-based quantum testbed that can prototype, validate, and benchmark nanophotonic, optoelectronic, and electronic components and sub-systems. The goal is to enable the development of scalable, low-SWaP atom-based quantum sensors, clocks, computing architectures, and other integrated or chip-scale quantum technologies. The solicitation emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and evaluation procedures compatible with the performance requirements of atom-based quantum devices. The Phase I of the project will focus on designing and analyzing the performance and operation of the proposed testbed user facility, as well as developing an operation and business plan. The Phase II will involve constructing and demonstrating the quantum testbed based on the Phase I design. The project duration for Phase I is 4 months, and for Phase II is 24 months. The solicitation encourages the development of integrated, low-SWaP quantum systems for applications in defense and commercial markets. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2506137).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Portable Diamond NV-Based Quantum Magnetometer for Enhanced Detection of Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs)
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a portable Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Center-based Quantum Magnetometer for enhanced detection of Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs). Quantum magnetometers utilizing Diamond NV technology offer significant advancements in sensitivity and precision for detecting minor fluctuations in magnetic fields. The magnetometers provide benefits such as exceptional sensitivity, robustness, durability, and non-invasive detection. However, challenges include manufacturing complexity, cost, false positives in metal-rich environments, and limitations in detection range and depth. The solicitation invites proposals for designing a portable Diamond NV-based Quantum Magnetometer that addresses these challenges and demonstrates a thorough understanding of operational contexts. The project will be conducted in three phases: Phase I involves foundational groundwork and design schematics, Phase II focuses on developing a working prototype, and Phase III involves refining the final deployable equipment and procedures. The development of a better magnetometer has the potential to provide significant benefits to numerous programs within the DoD. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2651331).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Lightweight Longwave Bolometer Sensor Components
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Lightweight Longwave Bolometer Sensor Components" as part of the SBIR program. The objective of this topic is to develop components that enable low size, weight, and power (SWAP) thermal bolometer-type longwave thermal sensor payloads. These components should have equal or better performance than current commercial offerings while driving down SWAP. The components of interest include lens, focal plane, and readout and processing embedded hardware. The components should be ready for integration into a camera module by the end of Phase II. Thermal longwave infrared (LWIR) capabilities are crucial for many Army applications, especially for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). However, the size, power, and weight constraints often limit the performance of these sensors. This topic aims to develop components that reduce the weight of thermal payloads while increasing their capabilities and keeping unit costs low. The project will have a Phase I and Phase II, with Phase I proposals accepting a cost of up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance. During Phase I, firms should design a proposed component with stakeholder input, analyze the SWAP-C impact of the component, and discuss how it will support the objective sensor payload. Phase II will involve completing the component design, fabricating, testing, and characterizing the component for integration into a lightweight sensor payload. Firms will also refine the design, define relevant interfaces, and lay out a high-level plan for integration. The potential applications of this research include smartphone camera augmentation, UAV camera augmentation, home security systems, and climate tech development. The project references academic research on bolometer manufacturing methods and the efficacy of leveraging colloidal quantum dots (QDs) for IR light sensing. Military contractors have also contributed to the research in the LWIR sensor and bolometer manufacturing spaces. For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation notice on grants.gov or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page. The open date for proposals is October 3, 2023, and the close date is March 31, 2025.
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.