High Performance Electro-optic Modulator Designed for Military Aircraft
ID: N25B-T029Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High Performance Electro-optic Modulator Designed for Military Aircraft

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: NAVY

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 Navy, is seeking innovative solutions for the development of a high-performance electro-optic modulator designed for military aircraft applications. The primary objective is to create a modulator that maintains optimal performance under the demanding environmental conditions encountered when mounted directly to an aircraft antenna, with a focus on addressing challenges related to temperature control and electromagnetic vulnerability. This initiative is critical for enhancing airborne receiver capabilities, offering significant advantages over traditional radio frequency sensors, including improved sensitivity and reduced cable weight. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on April 23, 2025, with a closing date of May 21, 2025, and can find more details at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PDF.html
    Similar Opportunities
    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/.
    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/.
    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.
    RF Frontend Design (RFE) on Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), is seeking proposals for the design, development, and demonstration of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and power amplifier (PA) utilizing GlobalFoundries' 200-mm Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology. The objective is to enhance output power density, linearity, and efficiency in radio communication systems for both military and commercial applications, addressing the current lack of integrated solutions in this technology space. This initiative is critical for improving the performance of RF frontend circuitry, which is essential for radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity to access government-furnished equipment for prototyping, and interested parties can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    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/.
    Far Forward Manufacturing of CBRN Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Far Forward Manufacturing (FFM) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors, as outlined in solicitation number CBD254-008. The objective is to accelerate the production of compact and economical CBRN sensors that require minimal logistical footprints, enabling real-time threat detection for warfighters while reducing reliance on complex supply chains through advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and biomanufacturing. This initiative is critical for ensuring force readiness and adaptability in modern warfare, with potential dual-use applications in commercial sectors like clinical diagnostics and environmental sensing. Interested parties should note that Phase I proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with potential funding of up to $500,000 available for successful Phase II performers who secure additional non-SBIR/STTR funding.
    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.
    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.
    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/.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop tactical visualization tools that efficiently integrate, visualize, and communicate tactical data, with a focus on Human-Machine Interface concepts and significant advantages in size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. Proposed technologies may include augmented reality, sensor visualization, or unique end-user devices, and must comply with Integrated Sensor Architecture (ISA) standards and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Software Development Kit (SDK). The opportunity is currently in the pre-release phase, with an open date of December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025, for applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.