SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate several potential system architectures that could be employed in a solid-state, three-dimensional volumetric display based on two-photon upconversion (more specifically, two-step, two-frequency upconversion). Alternative system designs will be examined in terms of cost, complexity, and system performance. Applications that are well suited to particular designs will be identified, and a preferred design showing strong market potential will be selected for later Phase II development. Commercial uses of a solid-state 3D display include medical imaging, computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing CAM), engineering work stations, scientific visualization, air traffic control, geological and oceanic exploration, molecular modeling, environmental hazards evaluation, architectural design, education, entertainment, and defense.

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from 3D Technology Laboratories will produce the final detailed system design and materials optimization that are necessary to construct a laser diode driven, solid-state, three-dimensional display. A fully functional device will be integrated, tested, evaluated, and optimized within the duration of this proposal and, when complete, will be capable of displaying true 3D data sets from a variety of input sources. The device will offer real time capabilities, and it will be able to display both static and dynamic images. Objects drawn in the display will be accessible to viewers through all sides of the display, with no restricted or obstructed regions and with no need for special glasses or head gear. Potential commercial applications for this technology include medical imaging, computer-aided design and manufacturing, scientific visualization, air traffic control, geological and oceanic exploration, molecular modeling and computational chemistry, as well as education, entertainment, and general consumer electronics.