Nanosystems Modeling and Nanoelectronic Computers James Ellenbogen, Principal Investigator Problems:
MITRE clients wish to apply emerging nanotechnologies to achieve ultra-minaturization, dense functionality, and novel capabilities in nanotechnology-enabled systems. In order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to extend systems engineering down to the nanometer-scale (i.e., the molecular scale).
Objectives:
The objective of the Nanosystems Modeling and Nanoelectronic Computers Project is to extend systems engineering down to the nanometer scale to assist in the design, fabrication, and application of electronic systems, novel power systems, and novel materials that are integrated on the nanometer scale. The resulting nanosystems will be the ultra-miniaturized successors to present-day microelectronics and microsystems.
Activities:
The project team is developing a new understanding of the electrical properties of molecules and other nanostructures, plus new methods for manipulating them to build nanocomputers. Also, the team is exploring novel applications in the laboratory, such as nanocomputer-controlled millirobots. These investigations will facilitate the applications to client problems, as well as produce new technical publications and intellectual property.
Impact:
These investigations have led to groundbreaking publications, as well as novel inventions and patents. The R&D also has assisted several government agencies in initiating advanced development projects in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology, for example, the DARPA Moletronics Program. Additionally, this project has served to educate a cadre of student investigators who have gone on to further important nanotechnology achievements.
Approved for Public Release: 08-0069 Presentation [PDF]
Nanotechnology-enabled Energy Storage for Portable Electronic Systems Jeff Poston, Principal Investigator Problems:
For many decades conventional battery technology imposed a severe burden on the "SWaP" (Size, Weight, and Power) budgets of portable electronic systems used in the DoD and Intelligence Communities (IC). This problem has been exacerbated in recent years as the field of electronics has continued its exponential increase in capability and attendant power consumption without a commensurate improvement in batteries.
Objectives:
This MSR project will design, develop, and build proof-of-concept prototypes with superior SWaP performance over conventional energy storage systems. Further, the performance characteristics of these prototypes will be targeted to address the power and energy requirements of specific applications of interest to our government clients, e.g., UAS beacons, intelligent munitions, unattended ground sensors, and handheld & manpack tactical radios.
Activities:
The research plan to develop hybrid battery/capacitor energy storage systems will consist of four tasks in order to both succeed in the research effort and to offer multiple opportunities for technology transfer: (1) Design & Development, (2) Fabricate & Test Nano-enabled Power/Conventional Energy System, (3) Fabricate & Test Nano-enabled Power/Nanoenabled Energy System, and (4) Technology Transition (ongoing).
Impact:
The goal of the MSR project will be the design and proof-of-principle demonstration of a hybrid nanotechnology-enabled energy storage solution that could be transitioned to an acquisition program within the next 2-4 years. Furthermore, as a natural consequence of this MSR project, MITRE also will gain the capability to perform independent verification and validation work for nano-enabled energy storage systems.
Approved for Public Release: 07-1504 Presentation [PDF]
Nanotubes for Small Antennas Janet Werth, Principal Investigator Problems:
Installation of antennas into operational environments is technically challenging and costly. Operators would like small antennas that are very efficient. In addition, a low-cost design that can be easily installed and that will not interfere with existing systems is critical. These requirements are often at odds with each other. There is the opportunity for innovative antenna concepts.
Objectives:
This work will advance the state-of-the-art in electrically small and electronically reconfigurable antennas through the application of bulk single wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs). An optically controlled, low-loss, CNT-based switch is being developed for reconfigurable antennas. A second development is the extension of ballistic transport length of CNTs to enable very low-loss RF circuit components.
Activities:
Near-term hardware development is focused on the design and demonstration of a CNT-based optically actuated switch in a multi-band electronically tunable monopole. We have designed the CNT switch based upon the antenna performance requirements. The University of Illinois is growing aligned single-wall nanotubes and integrating them into an electronic package. The switch will be demonstrated in a tunable monopole with theoretical extension to larger reconfigurable antenna concepts.
To extend the useful length of CNTs for wider antenna applications, we are theoretically extending the lossless CNT transport length through chemical bonding. A first principles quantum mechanics characterization of the CNT has been developed and verified. This characterization is used to analyze the chemical bonding effects. The first principle quantum mechanics characterization is provided to a continuum model to study the behavior of practical CNT based devices.
Impact:
We have built tools and expertise that enable us to apply the unique properties of CNTs to advance antenna technology. Electronically reconfigurable and efficient/electrically small antennas concepts will address the needs of many mobile communication programs. Chemical functionalization has a broader impact, with the potential to enable nearly lossless bundles of CNT conductors, with far-reaching thermal and power implications.
Approved for Public Release: 08-0611 Presentation [PDF]
Quantum Information Science Gerry Gilbert, Principal Investigator Problems:
Quantum information science is a new, interdisciplinary field that holds the promise of providing the means for solving practical problems that would otherwise be impossible. Quantum computers solve certain types of previously intractable computational problems, such as breaking public key encryption systems, as well as a variety of challenging, computationally intensive mathematical problems. The problem is to discover a scalable, efficient, fault-tolerant design.
Objectives:
We plan to develop the world's first efficient, scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer design.
Activities:
We will perform theoretical and systems-engineering quantum computing analyses and develop quantum information processing components using the linear quantum optics or cluster approach. We will design and demonstrate a quantum memory device, prototype a non-linear sign shift gate or cluster fusion operator, and demonstrate the quantum computing components.
Impact:
This work will have significant impact on MITRE's sponsors, as well as the academic and industrial scientific and technology communities. It will provide the basis for technology that will enhance our abilities in code breaking, real-time analysis of frequency-hopped spread-spectrum communications, steganographic analysis, and other computationally intensive problems. This work maintains and enhances MITRE's leading position in an important area of science and technology.
Approved for Public Release: 08-0444 Presentation [PDF]
Soldier Warrior Technology Adrian Lastra, Principal Investigator Problems:
As soldiers become sensors in an information network, they gain access to important and accurate battlefield information. Current systems present the information on portable computer device displays or head mounted displays that work well while stationary, but not while moving. Additionally, information is presented as an overhead map view that requires some translation by the soldier to the context of his environment.
Objectives:
The objective is to build a prototype system that provides battlefield situational awareness overlaid directly onto the soldiers field of view. It will aid a soldier navigating a planned route by marking the location of an objective along a route and providing an arrow indicating the direction the soldier must head to reach the objective.
Activities:
The project will acquire the necessary hardware to support transparent information overlays for soldiers. A software framework must then be developed that can take existing and developing information feeds and make them accessible. A simple user interface will be built that provides a mapping capability for a soldier in "planning mode" as well as a transparent information overlay for a soldier in "execution mode."
Impact:
A successful implementation will provide soldiers with critical and relevant battlefield awareness. Soldiers will have an unobstructed view of their environment, objectives and the enemy while keeping their hands ready on their weapons and maintaining mobility. The prototype system and software can be used as a test framework for follow-on research by providing a flexible and agile system that allows for quick integration of new human interface devices.
Approved for Public Release: 08-0290 Presentation [PDF]
Last Updated:05/05/2008 | ^TOP | 
