Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) SET-ASIDE FOR SPACE DEFENSE RESEARCH BY HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES/MINORITY INSTITUTIONS (HBCU/MIS) POC Debbie Chisenhall, Contract Specialist, 505/846-1326 This is Part Two of a Multi-Part Synopsis. (4) Thermophysics. Investigate non-equilibrium rarefied gas dynamics to characterize rocket plumes and their effect on spacecraft. Investigate spray technology and supercritical combustion, apply that knowledge to determine fundamental mechanisms of rocket engine operation, and develop accurate models which may be incorporated into design codes. (c) Lasers and Imaging. BAA Contact Point: Dr. W.P. Latham, PL/LI, 505-846-1776. Anticipated funding is $20K per year. The specific areas of interest for PL/LI are: (1) Advanced Imaging Efforts. Investigate methods to remove distortion from images of objects in adverse environments. These methods include computer post-processing techniques such as speckle and hybrid imaging and pre-processing approaches with adaptive optical systems. These techniques should be applicable to atmospheric-compensated satellite imaging, as well as other dual-use imaging applications. (2) Solid-State Laser Technology. Investigate advanced technologies related to Diode and Diode pumped Solid-State Lasers, including methods to enhance laser performance (better efficiency, increased tunability or frequency agility using non-linear frequency conversion techniques, improved optical quality), to develop novel pumping mechanisms, and to coherently couple multiple laser devices. These improvements might be made by identifying better materials or fabrication techniques, or by improving on the laser system design. (3) Applied Nonlinear Optics (NLO) technology. Research into laser beam cleanup of system-induced distortions, correction of aberrations due to optical system imperfections and medium distortion effects for imaging applications, specific frequency generation of high energy laser systems, laser device scaling through coherent coupling of multiple devices, laser device frequency shifting using NLO frequency conversion techniques, and novel nonlinear optical processing techniques for automatic target recognition, related tactical system applications, or for dual-use technology application. This investigation might include identification of better NLO materials or improvements to existing NLO systems. (d) Advanced Weapons & Survivability, BAA Contact Point: Mr. Leonard Contreras, PL/WS, 505-846-4041. If funding becomes available, WS anticipates funding $20-$50K per year. The specific areas of interest for PL/WS are: (1) Electromagnetic Effects. Conduct basic research in the interaction of electromagnetic waves with electronic devices. We seek new and innovative approaches in planning and conducting experiments to better understand the coupling mechanisms and predict the upset/burnout levels of electronic systems operating in an electromagnetic environment. Exploration of basic failure mechanisms are required for state-of-the-art, large-scale, integrated circuitry and other sophisticated electronics. We also seek innovative computational approaches for predicting electromagnetic penetration into large bodies and interaction with internal components.(2) Satellite Assessment. Research is directed towards computationally assessing survivability/vulnerability of space assets against all threats, current and emerging. This includes lasers, nuclear threats, non-laser directed energy weapons, as well as natural space debris and background radiation environments. Research interests include modeling methodologies developed from first principles and from empirical data, active and passive imaging simulation methods and techniques, and parallel processing for simulated/actual imaging correlation. Other interests include laser effects modeling and experiment, including laser/material interactions. (3) Electromagnetic Applications. Research is sought for the application of electromagnetic technology to aircraft self protection, suppression of enemy air defense, and other applications which involve degradation, disruption, or damage of electronic components. We also desire to understand and evaluate the electromagnetic effects on systems and to incorporate these effects into simulations used to assess mission effectiveness. (4) Space Systems Survivability. We seek research proposals for new and innovative experimental designs to measure RF/HPM signal power levels received on orbiting space platforms. These experiments will aid assessing disruption, degradation, and damage to critical electronic components. Experimental payloads should be designed to fly aboard Phillips Lab MightySat vehicles or other small, rapid development programs. We also seek research proposals relating to Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) hydrocodes, including: Equation-of-State (EOS) and strength models of materials, new models which describe basic material behavior, and improved formulations of SPH hydrocodes. We seek proposals in the area of tools and algorithms for evaluating the growth of the space debris environment and the risk of impact for orbit insertion launches. Also, we seek research in determining particle mass and velocity distribution during breakup. Proposals to study spacecraft signature control and interpretation through evaluation of space environment -- effluent interaction chemistry are also sought. (5) Pulsed Power Technology. Research proposals are solicited on the following topics: pulsed power physics and engineering, the development and application of explosively driven pulsed power generators, compact power conditioning/voltage transformers, compact capacitive storage, sub-microsecond plasma switches, fuse and opening switch technology, and the computational modeling of such devices. (0101)

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