SBIR-STTR Award

Active Signal Technologies proposes to develop novel nonlinear dielectrics based largely on solid solutions of substituted sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) with substituted lead magnesium niobate (PMN) to shift the NBT antiferroelectric phase into the ambient temperature range. The effects on dielectric properties of nano-scale processing, including the preparation of submicron powders and coating the particles with glass-forming ions, will be studied. Measurements of permittivity, loss, resistivity, polarization and strain will be performed as a function of electric field, and breakdown strength will be measured on K-squares and small lab prototype capacitors to provide input data for our model which calculates intrinsic energy densities of the dielectrics – comparing nano with conventional processing. It is anticipated that the nano processing, which has been shown to enhance consolidation and increase breakdown strength, combined with the unique NBT-PMN compositions will yield high energy densities with very low dissipation factor. In parallel, the team will demonstrate engineering capability to build and test a large (12-kV, 0.5μF) low inductance module using a commercial, high-energy-density antiferroelectric dielectric. A smaller module will also be constructed with prototype fuse elements to prove that graceful failure mechanisms can be achieved while pulsing at 100-pps.

Benefit:
The availability of high-energy-density ceramic capacitors that exhibit graceful failure and can to scaled to large capacitances at high voltages will greatly reduce the size and weight of power-conditioning systems and directed energy weapons since capacitors are often the largest component of these systems. Additionally if the capacitors extend these properties to high temperatures then hybrid electric vehicle and energy exploration technologies will be positively impacted.

Keywords:
High Energy Density, Capacitor, Dielectric, Nano-Processing, Sodium Bismuth Titanate

Surface-to-air missiles represent a serious threat to both military and civilian aviation. However, development of more effective countermeasures requires realistic simulation of the missile plume over a wide range of observation distances to improve recognition capability. Accordingly, the purpose of this program is to design and build a next generation, extended range pyrophoric fluid valve (ERPV) for the Air Force Towed Airborne Plume Simulator (TAPS) to improve its reliability and performance. This initiative will insert Active Signal Technologies novel high frequency actuation and valve technology into the TAPS to provide the required dynamic range and frequency capability to modulate the pyrophoric fluid flow for more efficient and advanced testing. A development effort lasting approximately 24 months is envisaged to mature the technology and transition it to Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). Active Signal will build prototypes capable of delivering the necessary dynamic range and frequency response. AEDC will test the final EPRV in its wind tunnel. Deployment of the EPRV aboard the TAPS will enable the Air Force to conduct airborne tests of its Advanced Infrared Countermeasures. This will enhance range capabilities at the Center for Countermeasures at White Sands Missile Range with the goal of improving Aircraft Survivability.