A Smart Microwave Vacuum Electron Device (MVED) Using Field Emitters
 

We propose to develop a new generation of “smart” Microwave Vacuum Electron Devices (MVEDs) for use in radar, jamming, communication, and imaging systems. The approach is a hybrid of vacuum technology, microstructures, modem control algorithms, and reconfigurable hardware. The unique innovations include the use of addressable, distributed field emission arrays (FEAs), internal diagnostic measurements, reconfigurable electronics, and feedback control systems. These innovations are combined with numerical simulations and device characterization to create a smart MVED. This smart MVED system could then be used to rapidly shift from one operating mode to another while maintaining the desired performance. For example, constant output power could be maintained as the frequency is swept. This program will be a collaborative effort.

Dr. Jim Browning

Boise State University

2008

AFOSR

Reconfigurable Electronics and Non-Volatile Memory Research
 

This team will study materials systems and electronic devices for reconfigurable electronics and phase-change memory applications.  Their proposal comprises three main research areas: (1) design, fabrication, and study of phase-change memory devices consisting of stacked chalcogenide thin films; (2) design, fabrication, and study of new concepts in materials for reconfigurable electronics; and (3) design and fabrication of a test array structure for optical and electrical characterization of new materials concepts. These research areas are of interest due to their applicability to non-volatile memory and reconfigurable electronics such as threshold logic, neural networks, analog circuits, and field-programmable gate arrays.

Dr. Kris Campbell
Boise State University

2007

Power Management of Small Naval Vessels

This proposal is intended as part of a long-term effort to realize the vision for a power management program for the Navy’s base at Bayview, Idaho. The U.S. Navy is moving to all-electric ships and vehicles to improve future war-fighting capability.  This team proposes to develop an electric power management system to meet three related technical challenges: (1) improve the charging time of the surface ship prototype by an integrated energy management system; (2) improve the performance of the quiet mode by applying a new charging method; and (3) develop an integrated power quality mitigation method using advanced voltage support techniques. The investigators will develop an appropriate model of all-electric surface test craft, and develop appropriate architectures to meet the stated technical challenges through simulation first, then testing small-scale prototypes on an Analog Model Power System. Finally, they will apply and test the performance of their ideas on the all-electric test craft under conditions prescribed by NSWCCD.

Dr. Brian Johnson

University of Idaho

2007

Micro-Propulsion Devices in Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Materials

An interdisciplinary team from BSU and the UI will use low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) materials to fabricate a ceramic micro-electro-mechanical propulsion system for small aerospace vehicles and satellites in the 1 to 50 kg class. The desired system would minimize mass, complexity, and power requirements, while maximizing thrust precision and fuel economy. The employed materials are robust and well suited for high temperature environments.

Dr. Amy Moll
Boise State University

2005

Programmed Cell Death in Bacillus anthracis: Novel Antibiotic Targets to Combat a Bioterrorism Pathogen

The initial stage of our project has focused primarily on the generation of mutations within genes that control bacterial cell death. Although it was previously thought that bacterial death was a passive process brought about by cell damage, our work has demonstrated that it is an active process mediated by a complex system of proteins encoded by the bacterium’s own DNA. Indeed, reduction of the population density could be a key part of species survival, particularly under stressful conditions. We have established the existence of these genes in B. anthracis and should have mutant strains constructed within the next few months. Furthermore, we have also begun to analyze the expression of these genes and have evidence suggesting that they are under tight regulatory control. The environmental factors and regulatory elements necessary for turning on and off these genes will be essential in making the molecular choice between life and death. Once the regulatory components of this system have been elucidated, we will then be able to explore the development of novel antibacterial compounds for use against bioterrorism threats involving anthrax.

Dr. Ken Bayles
University of Idaho

2003