N252-080 TITLE: Multi-Spectral Quantum Dot Array

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber;Quantum Science

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Design a multi-spectral Quantum Dot (QD) array with a Read-in Integrated Circuit (RIIC) to provide the capability for system design and integration of a high-fidelity Screen Projector (SP) to support testing and evaluation (T&E) of a multi-spectral sensor and seeker. Each array pixel will be populated with between two to four multi-spectral quantum dot emitters and can demonstrate narrow band spectral output in either the ultra-violet (UV), visible, Near Infrared (NIR), Mid-Wave IR (MWIR) band 4a and b, or Long-wave IR (LWIR).

DESCRIPTION: This SBIR topic will investigate multispectral narrow-band QD arrays with emission wavelengths centered for chemical and remote sensing, as well as seeker and sensor modeling and simulation. Multispectral emission from UV to LWIR is potentially useful for chemical spectral analysis, remote sensing, and SP threat engagement simulation as part of a scene projection system. A multispectral band QD array with a narrow-band QD emitter providing electromagnetic radiation in multiple spectral bands is highly beneficial for DoD applications. The narrow-band emission of QDs will enable more precise spectral emissions for chemical composition analysis; provide the core technology for smaller, lighter, and more versatile projection systems; and provide the capability for better wavelength selection for remote sensing applications.

The Navy desires a multispectral 1024 X 1024 emitting array with multiple QDs designed onto each array pixel. Each QD will have a narrow band emission of less than 100 nanometers for better wavelength precision of application-specific operations on chemical and remote sensing. The individual QDs integrated onto each pixel will demonstrate apparent temperatures above 1500K for improved brightness levels needed for SP and remote sensing applications. Multispectral QD arrays will improve the T & E capability of modern and future seeker and sensor projection systems for more effective Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) testing of multispectral threat detection and warning systems. The RIIC and QD emitter array must provide up to 5 orders of magnitude dynamic range with at least 16-bit resolution. The crosstalk between QD wavelength-specific emitters of less than 1% is needed between all wavelengths but is particularly important for the MWIR bands 4a and 4b. These attributes improve spatial and spectral resolution for chemical and remote detection and modeling projection systems for improved warfighter battlefield survivability.

The proposed approaches will include designing, fabricating, and characterizing the multispectral QD arrays to match Navy-defined in-band emitter wavelength and ranges. An electronically multiplexed QD array suitable for high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop will have a Phase I LED array approach designed and a Phase II demonstration. It will allow the test programs to tailor flight test scenarios based on HITL test results, reduce flight hour requirements, and improve overall test efficiency. For chemical and remote sensing, this capability will support the warfighter's need to analyze and detect biological or chemical agents. The Navy needs enhanced multispectral scene projectors that are smaller and lighter for placement on HITL and flight line T & E.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a multi-spectral QD array structure. Write a final report on the design and feasibility of a multi-spectral QD array structure, including the RIIC concept. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a 1024 X 1024 multi-spectral array structure with independently controlled pixels by a RIIC. Demonstrate the multi-spectral narrow spectral band (

Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description paragraph.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate a 1024 X 1024 multispectral QD array with a RIIC and develop a multi-spectral scene projector. Support transition of the Infrared Scene Projector (IRSP) developed in Phase III to Navy T&E laboratories.

A multi-spectral emitting array has potential application for industrial chemical sensing and safety protection. A multi-spectral scene projector has application for both firefighter and medical scenario training.

REFERENCES:

1. Park, Y.-S.; Roh, J.; Diroll, B. T.; Schaller, R. D. and Klimov, V. I. "Colloidal quantum dot lasers." Nat. Rev. Mater. 6, 2021, pp. 382-401. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-020-00274-9
2. Ahn, N.; Livache, C.; Pinchetti, V. and Klimov, V. I. "Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal lasers and laser diodes." Chem. Rev. 123, 2023, pp. 8251-8296. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00865
3. Xuan, T.; Shi, S.; Wang, L.; Kuo, H-C. and Xi, R-J. "Inkjet-Printed Quantum Dot Color Conversion Films for High-Resolution and Full-Color Micro Light-Emitting Diode Displays." The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. Vol 11/Issue 13, 2020. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01451
4. "National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual (NISP), 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq. 1993." https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-2004

KEYWORDS: Quantum; Read-in Integrated Circuit; RIIC; Near Infrared; NIR; Mid-wave Infrared; MWIR; Long-range Infrared: LWIR; multi-spectral scene projector; Electro-Optical and Infrared; EO/IR

TPOC 1: Jonny Rice
(301) 342-1975
jonny.rice.civ@us.navy.mil

TPOC 2: Daniel Bonney
(301) 995-2507
daniel.d.bonney.civ@us.navy.mil

TPOC 3: Samuel Niebauer
(301) 757-0016
samuel.p.niebauer.civ@us.navy.mil

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