SBIR

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION

RESEARCH PROGRAM

ABSTRACTS OF PHASE I and PHASE II 

AWARDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014
INTRODUCTION

Abstracts of Awards for Fiscal Year 2014 SBIR Program

Note: Certain non-ASCII characters may not be represented accurately in this 

document. In cases where there may be doubt, please direct your questions 

to sbir@nist.gov. 
Fiscal Year 2014 List of Awardees

Award Number Company Name Topic Areas Phase

70NANB14H289 Antara Teknik LLC Cybersecurity Phase I

70NANB14H303 En ‘Urga Inc. Health Care Phase I 

70NANB14H290 Grier Forensics Cybersecurity Phase I

70NANB14H297 High Precision Devices Health Care Phase I

70NANB14H296 Luminit, LLC Manufacturing Phase I

70NANB14H298 Luminit, LLC Manufacturing Phase I

70NANB14H292 Management Sciences, Inc. Cyber-Physical Systems Phase I

70NANB14H305 Phantom Laboratory Health Care Phase I

70NANB14H291 Physical Optics Corp. Health Care Phase I

70NANB14H301 Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. Cybersecurity Phase I

70NANB14H300 Seacoast Science, Inc. Technology Transfer Phase I

70NANB14H304 SouthWest NanoTechnologies Manufacturing Phase I

SB1341-14-CN-0022 Gener8 Cybersecurity Phase II

SB1341-14-CN-0028 High Precision Devices, Inc. Manufacturing Phase II

SB1341-14-CN-0026 RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC Manufacturing Phase II

SB1341-14-CN-0029 SynTouch LLC Manufacturing Phase II

 

 
FY 2014 PHASE I AWARD

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Cryptographic Acceleration for Border Gateway Protocol Security (BGPSEC) 

Title: Cryptographic Acceleration for Border Gateway Protocol Security (CaBGPSEC) 

OU: Information Technology Laboratory 

Firm: Antara Teknik LLC 

5233 Castlereigh Ct. 

Granite Bay, CA 95746 

Principal Investigator: Mehmet Adalier

Phone: 916-622-6960 

Email: madalier@antarateknik.com

Award Amount: $89,972.38 

Abstract: Current Border Gateway System (GBP) does not include provisions for security 

features and is vulnerable to malicious attacks targeting the control plane. The Internet 

Engineering Taskforce is developing BGPSEC (BGP with Security) to provide path security for 

BGP route advertisements. The extension is meant to provide resiliency against route hijacks and 

Autonomous System (AS) path modifications. Given the large size of the global Internet BGP 

routing table and strict requirement for re-convergence time following router reboots, the 

security requirement causes a major adoption challenge since most currently deployed router 

control plane hardware does not have the processing power to handle BGPSEC’s cryptographicintensive computations. NIST is closely involved in BGPSEC protocol design and has 

developed a prototype implementation: BGP-SRx. Antara Teknik will modify NIST BGP-SRx 

and develop an optimal API with appropriate OS hooks to completely off-load all cryptographic 

operations to an off-board cryptographic accelerator incorporated to a PC-router platform. Antara 

Teknik will perform component level, system level, and algorithmic optimizations to architect 

and design a low-power, low-cost, efficient, and highly secure router. The proposed router will 

be commercially deployable in the near future and accelerate the adoption of BGPSEC to secure 

a key component of the Internet critical infrastructure.

Commercial Applications: Since most existing router engines will not be able to satisfy the 

additional security requirements, there is a substantial commercial opportunity and available 

market for a BGPSEC capable economically feasible router. The proposed Phase I work will 

determine the fundamental hardware and software design specifications in order to manufacture 

and commercialize low power, high performance and cost effective edge-routers with FIPS 186-

4 compliant cryptographic capabilities during Phase II and beyond. 

Topic: Health Care
Subtopic: Instrument to Detect Aerosolized-Droplet Dose Delivery of Vaccines

Title: Combined Extinction/Fluorescence Absorption Diagnostics for Pharmaceutical Sprays

OU: Material Measurement Laboratory

Firm: En ‘Urga Inc.

1201 Cumberland Ave. 

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Principal Investigator: Yudaya Sivathanu 

Phone: 765-497-3269 

Email: sivathan@enurga.com

Award Amount: $90,000.00 

Abstract: This Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of a pharmaceutical spray quality 

audit system. The spray quality audit system will estimate the mass distribution of active 

ingredients and droplet sizes in pharmaceutical sprays using combined fluorescence absorption 

and light extinction tomography. En’Urga will modify an existing instrument to simultaneously 

obtain full volume fluorescence absorption and light extinction in a spray containing a 

fluorophore. The existing user interface will be modified to calculate the full planar mass 

distribution of active ingredients in the plane as well as the planar drop sizes. The results will be 

validated using conventional methods. 

Commercial Applications: The primary commercial application for the proposed fluorescence 

tomography system is in the quality audit of pharmaceutical spray nozzles. The quality of 

pharmaceutical spray nozzles is particularly important in inhalers and table coaters where the 

active ingredient has a time release profile. The uniformity of mass distribution, drop sizes, and 

the amount of active ingredient issuing from these nozzles is crucial for ensuring proper dosages 

in both inhalers and table coaters. The proposed system will enable pharmaceutical 

manufacturers to quickly evaluate the mass distribution and flux of the active pharmaceutical 

ingredients within sprays so as to meet a rigid quality audit protocol. 

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Secure Email Agent Using the Domain Name System (DNS) as a Trust Infrastructure

Title: Secure Email Agent Using the Domain Name System (SND) as a Trust Infrastructure

OU: Information Technology Laboratory 

Firm: Grier Forensics

708 Lakeview Dr. 

Lakewood, NJ 08701 
Principal Investigator: Jonathan Grier 

Phone: 443-501-4044 

Email: jgrier@grierforensics.com

Award Amount: $90,000.00 

Abstract: Email is one of the most prevalent and critical forms of digital communication in use 

today. Ironically, it is also one of the least secure. Most email systems provide no means to 

authenticate the sender of a message, and is hence easily and commonly forged or spoofed, often 

used to penetrate networks via phishing attacks. Additionally, most email systems provide no 

means to ensure privacy or confidentiality. Although protocols for securing email have been 

available for over twenty years, these protocols, by nature of their use of asymmetric 

cryptography, require users to have the public key or certificate of their correspondents. We 

propose to develop technology to use the Domain Name System (DNS) to distribute such 

certificates and keys, making email secure, authenticated, and confidential, curbing the losses 

from phishing attacks and allowing all people to use email as a simple, readily available means 

of trustworthy communications. 

Commercial Applications: Losses due to phishing attacks are estimated to be between $2.4 and 

$5.9 billion dollars yearly worldwide. Waste due to inability to use email for sensitive 

communications that must remain private, such as health and financial information, are likewise 

estimated in the billions. As email is already one of the most ubiquitous and critical means of 

modern communication, providing means to secure it can potentially create billions in prevention 

of losses, new value and productivity. 

Topic: Health Care

Subtopic: Production of NIST/UCSF Breast Phantom for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

Title: Optimization of the NIST/UCSF Breast Phantom for Quantitative MRI

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory

Firm: High Precision Devices 

1668 Valtec Lane

Boulder, CO 80301 

Principal Investigator: Michael Snow

Phone: 303-447-2558 

Email: msnow@hpd-online.com

Award Amount: $89,995.54 

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a primary diagnostic tool in scientific 

research and clinical imaging. Despite the excellent image quality that can be obtained with 
today’s MRIs, images acquired using different MRI systems and during longitudinal studies are 

not reproducible, and hence can be difficult, if not impossible, to compare. To address this issue, 

a standardized test of the performance characteristics of each MRI, detection coils, and 

operational procedures is necessary. High Precision Devices, Inc. proposes the development of a 

manufacturing process to provide cost effective and shelf-stable NIST-designed MRI breast 

phantoms for calibration of MRI systems used in breast cancer research studies and clinical 

settings.

Commercial Applications: Currently there are approximately 10,000 MRI units in the U.S. with 

an expected growth of 500 units per annum. Of the sites with MRI capabilities, 55% are capable 

of performing breast diagnostics equating to over 1 million procedures performed each year. 

Over 150 clinical research trials involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging to investigate 

the various aspects of breast cancer are currently being conducted. To ensure that new breast 

cancer treatments and procedures are properly conducted in medical settings, it will be necessary 

to provide a cost-effective and shelf-stable breast phantom as a calibration tool.

Topic: Manufacturing

Subtopic: Compact, Rapid Electro-Optic Laser Scanner for Absolute 3D Imaging

Title: Tunable Electro-Optic Laser Scanner (TEOLS)

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory

Firm: Luminit, LLC

1850 W. 205th Street

Torrance, CA 90501

Principal Investigator: Xiaowei Xia

Phone: 310-320-1066

Award Amount: $89,493.00

Abstract: In Phase I, Luminit will demonstrate Tunable Electro-Optic Laser Scanner (TEOLS) 

feasibility by conducting technical analysis and simulation and initially test a proof-of-concept

prototype. In Phase II, Luminit plans to develop an engineering prototype TEOLS that can be 

incorporated into existing NIST LADAR imager hardware prototypes for testing and validation, 

leading to a rapid 3D LADAR imager design concept for commercial deployment.

Commercial Applications: Industrial markets are industry for machine vision and monitoring of 

manufacturing processes, automotive, semiconductors, electronics, glass, metals, wood and 

paper, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, rubber and plastics, containers and packing, medical 

devices, printing, and food. Non-industrial markets are healthcare applications, 

telecommunications, military and defense.
Topic: Manufacturing

Subtopic: Erbium-Based DPSS Lasers for Remote Sensing

Title: Spectrally Pure Eye-Safe Laser (SPESL)

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory

Firm: Luminit, LLC

1850 W. 205th Street

Torrance, CA 90501

Principal Investigator: Russell Kurtz

Phone: 310-320-1066

Award Amount: $89,623.00

Abstract: To help with the detection of carbon dioxide, methane, and certain gaseous pollutants, 

NIST is seeking narrow linewidth, tunable and band-selectable, diode-pumped solid-state lasers 

in the wavelength region between 1550 nm and 1650 nm. Luminit proposes to develop the 

Spectrally Pure Eye-Safe Laser (SPESL). The SPESL is an Er:YAG laser, side pumped by 

semiconductor lasers in the erbium absorption band near 1475 nm, with an intracavity etalon and 

a switchable spectral filter. The etalon will reduce the laser linewidth to <50 MHz because, 

unlike traditional Q-switched short pulse lasers, the cavity-dumped SPESL circulates the photon 

flux through the etalon hundreds of times before sending it out. Cavity dumping also ensures 

constant pulse energy over a wide range of repetition rates, as low as 100 Hz and as high as 20 

kHz (previous work indicates 100 kHz is achievable). The simple, automated system design 

ensure environmental ruggedness and ease of use.

Commercial Applications: Not only does the SPESL directly meet the needs of NIST, it also 

has immediate commercial applications in fields where Luminit has existing customers, such as 

tracking manufacturing equipment and as the illuminator for gesture-based tracking games and 

computing. It has application to fields as diverse as spectrometry, important to the U.S. Army, 

and long-range ice detection, important to the U.S. Navy.

Topic: Cyber-Physical Systems

Subtopic: Residential Heat Pump Fault Detection and Diagnostic Datalogger

Title: Cognitive Residential Heat Pump Fault Detection and Diagnostic Datalogger

OU: Engineering Laboratory
Firm: Management Sciences, Inc.

6022 Constitution Ave., NE 

Albuquerque, NM 87110 

Principal Investigator: Kenneth Blemel

Phone: (505) 255-8611 

Email: Kenny_Blemel@mgtsciences.com

Award Amount: $89,987.78 

Abstract: Millions of heat pumps are used to heat and cool homes and buildings year round. 

Continuous operation means that components wear out at a greater rate. As a result, maintenance 

of residential heat pumps is a major cost driver. Current methods focus on reduced use through 

control settings. Typically, demand has wide swings throughout the day and people are unable to 

customize controls. Inevitably, energy is wasted until a fault is discovered and a maintenance 

technician replaces a faulty part. MSI’s patented user-programmable microcontroller module 

performs sensor data monitoring, datalogging, processing, control, and communications to 

smartphones and tablets. We propose to exploit this technology for increasing the efficiency of 

heat pumps and reducing maintenance costs by aggressive goal-seeking control and simultaneous 

real time monitoring for stresses, degradation, and equipment faults using deductive modeling. 

Our product vision is an easy-to-install, plug-and-play kit that connects to the existing equipment 

and household sensors. In Phase I, MSI will start with a cloud demonstration of the current 

technology in action at our current off-the-grid demonstration site. Next, we will perform 

research and value engineering to architect and produce a small, form factor prototype 

specifically for improving heat pump performance, safety, reliability, and ownership costs. 

Commercial Applications: With energy and maintenance prices skyrocketing, there is pent-up 

demand for innovations that increase efficiency and provide for early detection and mitigation of 

faults in heat pumps wherever they are used. One important market is retrofit for upgrade of 

standard, non-monitored residential heat pumps that provide year-round heating and cooling for 

homes and recreational vehicles around the word. Another is licensing of the patented 

technology to original equipment manufacturers and to developers of ‘smart’ facilities.

Topic: Health Care

Subtopic: Production of NIST/UCSF Breast Phantom for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

Title: Production of NIST/UCSF Breast Phantom for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory

Firm: Phantom Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Josh Levy 

Phone: 518-692-1190 

Email: levy@phantomlab.com

Award Amount: $90,000.00 

Abstract: This project involves the commercialization of the breast phantom designed by NIST 

and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for quantitative magnetic resonance imaging 

(MRI). The breast phantom consists of two independent phantoms, one focused on diffusion 

MRI measurements and the other focused on accurate measurements of fat and fibroglandular 

tissue properties. The proposed phantom is one of several recently developed to address the 

needs for reliable test tools for Quality Control in quantitative imaging work. The goal is take 

this carefully developed phantom and refine the design for manufacturing. Methods and 

processes to stabilize the reference solutions ensuring five years of measurement stability are 

required. 

Commercial Applications: Successful completion of this project will have an impact on the 

utility of MRI in the evaluation of breast cancer and other related abnormalities. Beyond breast 

imaging, the development of manufacturing methods for good stable diffusion measurement 

tools will be of great value in numerous MRI applications. 

Topic: Health Care

Subtopic: Instrument to Detect Aerosolized-Droplet Dose Delivery of Vaccines

Title: Aerosolized Vaccine Dose Analysis (AVIDA) System

OU: Material Measurement Laboratory

Firm: Physical Optics Corp. 

1845 West 205th St. 

Torrance, CA 90501 

Principal Investigator: Chung-Yen Chao

Phone: 310-320-3088 

Award Amount: $89,957.00 

Abstract: To address the NIST need for an instrument to detect aerosolized-droplet dose 

delivery of vaccines, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Aerosolized 

Vaccine Dose Analysis (AVIDA) system based on the combination of planar laser-induced 

fluorescence, laser diffraction, microscope optics, and an advanced image processing algorithm. 

This system, using temporal image splitting, provides clearly focused fluorescence and scattering 

images of aerosolized droplets/particles. The innovation in the system architecture enables highspeed acquisition of both fluorescence and scattering images at <10 microsec per image. The 
advanced algorithm can process images to extract and identify droplet/particle size and 

concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within each droplet. In Phase I, 

POC will demonstrate the feasibility of this system by designing, assembling, and testing an 

experimental prototype using microspheres and aerosolized API-laden solutions. In Phase II, 

POC plans to optimize the system design, improving performance, in terms of image acquisition 

rate, image resolution, response time, image processing capability of the algorithm, and user 

interface. At the conclusion of Phase II, we anticipate delivering a fully functioning prototype 

applicable to a wide range of healthcare technologies, and identifying the most promising 

commercial and government applications for the commercialization of the AVIDA system. 

Commercial Applications: The AVIDA system will provide a reliable method to quantitatively 

detect the API dose during pulmonary delivery of drugs and vaccines. In addition to aerosolized 

drugs and vaccines, this system is applicable to all aerosols to determine their sizes, 

concentration, and contents. Other significant applications include those in the healthcare 

industries, law enforcement, Homeland Security, chemical and petroleum industries, food and 

beverages industries, and spray and jetting industries, as well as environmental analysis, and 

analysis of climate change.

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Silicon Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes with Detection Efficiency that Exceeds 95 

% 

Title: Low-Noise, High-Efficiency Geiger Photodiode for Quantum Cryptography 

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory

Firm: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. 

44 Hunt Street 

Watertown, MA 02472 

Principal Investigator: Erik B. Johnson 

Phone: 617-668-6886 

Email: EJohnson@rmdinc.com

Award Amount: $89,997.00 

Abstract: The mechanics of single photons can be used to entangle information carry quantum 

states, allowing for quantum computation or random number generation. Quantum 

communication utilizes the quantum nature of single-photons to retain information, particularly 

in the form of quantum key distribution protocols. High-efficiency, low-noise single photon 

detection at high efficiency is critical for the application of new systems utilizing the power of 

quantum mechanics. Existing Geiger photodiodes provide single photon resolution with 

excellent timing characteristics and low dark count rates but has limited detection efficiency. 
This program will develop a Geiger photodiode for quantum cryptography with an efficiency 

greater than 98% in the visible wavelength range.

Commercial Applications: The major contribution of this work will seed advance 

photodetectors for various low-light applications. RMD develops radiation detectors and 

components such as scintillation and semiconductor materials. The Geiger photodiode to be 

developed in this program will be immediately implemented into a solid-state photomultiplier 

design, then we will utilize our contacts in academia and industry to develop optimal designs for 

medical imaging, physics detectors, and dosimetry. A solid-state photomultiplier developed 

within this program provides a viable alternative to the traditional photomultiplier tube for 

spectrophotometry, PET and SPECT imaging, gamma and x-ray cameras, radioluminescent 

assays, flow cytometry, DNA sequencers, and radiation monitors.

Topic: Technology Transfer

Subtopic: NIST Tech Transfer

Title: Thermo-focusing Chromatography - High Sensitivity Chromatography for Chemical 

Analysis

OU: Technology Partnerships Office

Firm: Seacoast Science, Inc.

2151 Las Palmas Dr.

Carlsbad, CA 92011

Principal Investigator: William Tolley

Phone: 760-268-0083

Award Amount: $90,000.00

Abstract: Seacoast Science will license, for the purpose of technology transfer, the NIST patent 

“Recirculating Temperature Wave Focusing Chromatography,” with the goal of successfully 

implementing the method into a unique, low-cost gas chromatograph for environmental pollution 

monitoring. In the U.S., there are over 425,000 brownfields and 1,320 Superfund sites where 

noxious chemicals have been used and unhealthy levels of noxious chemicals may remain in the 

soil and subterranean water. The noxious vapors, most of which are considered carcinogens; pass 

through the soil and groundwater into homes, schools, businesses, watersheds, aquifers, and 

municipal water systems on or near these formerly contaminated sites. EPA estimates that 

cleanup and redevelopment programs leverage $14 billion in economic benefit and support 

60,917 jobs. Thus, the objective is to develop means to monitor remediated sites to achieve

productivity while assuring a healthy environment.

Commercial Applications: Seacoast proposes to develop a vapor intrusion monitor (VIM) 

capable of detecting petrochemical and chlorinated solvent vapors resulting from vapor intrusion. 
VIM will be used as part of a comprehensive remediation program to assure noxious vapors do 

not return following reoccupation of a remediated area as well as allowing environmental 

restoration teams to perform long-term soil vapor and vapor intrusion studies. Market research 

estimates a market for approximately 10,000 such instruments generating gross revenues of 

$50MM. The lower monitoring cost possible through VIM will allow remediation experts to 

track pollutant plumes and remediation progress in real time.

Topic: Manufacturing 

Subtopic: Technology for Separation of Carbon Nanotubes 

Title: Scale-Up of ATPE Technology to Produce Highly Enriched Semiconducting SWCNTs 

OU: Material Measurement Laboratory

Firm: SouthWest NanoTechnologies 

2501 Technology Place 

Norman, OK 73071 

Principal Investigator: Youngquiang Tan 

Phone: 405-809-6213 

Email: tan@swentnano.com

Award Amount: $89957.00 

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have unique material properties making 

them very attractive for use in a variety of electronic applications. However, as-grown SWCNTs 

contain a mixture of tubes with heterogeneous optical and electronic properties. The chiral 

species must be separated in order to maximize the desired properties. To date, no large scale 

separation process has been accomplished. This Phase I project seeks to extend the promising 

technique developed at NIST to demonstrate single-chirality CNT separation, at laboratory scale.

Commercial Applications: Given their remarkable properties, semiconducting SWCNTs can 

potentially be used to replace or complement traditional and organic semiconducting materials in 

devices such as integrated circuits, optical switches, field-effect transistors, thin-film transistors, 

chemical sensors, and biomedical therapeutics. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of a 

process for producing high-purity semiconducting SWCNTs in quantities required for these 

applications. 
FY 2014 PHASE II AWARD

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Bragg Grating Enhanced Narrowband Single Photon SPDC Source 

Title: Bragg Grating Enhanced Narrowband Single Photon SPDC Source 

OU: Information Technology Laboratory 

Firm: Gener8

535 Del Ray Ave. 

Sunnyvale, CA 94085 

Principal Investigator: William Bischel

Phone: 650-940-9898 

Email: bbischel@gener8.net

Award Amount: $299,967.00 

Abstract: Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC) is currently an active research 

area in quantum communications (QC) to develop entangled single photon sources. However, the 

bandwidth of current SPDC sources is too broad for many applications. NIST researchers have 

modeled a solution to this problem that reduces the bandwidth by >50. We propose to fabricate a 

prototype of the NIST device by developing an innovative fabrication method for a Bragg 

grating with a pi/2 phase shift over the SPDC periodically poled waveguide in lithium niobate. 

The project goal is to demonstrate significant narrowing of the SPDC spectrum. We anticipate 

that the result of this Phase II project will be a design for a highly integrated SPDC source that 

will enable new fundment QC research.

Commercial Applications: The development of a novel Bragg grating fabrication process that 

has a pi phase shift at the center is important for the development of many devices in addition of 

the SPDC application. For example, it can be used in the development of novel designs for new 

external cavity stabilized diode lasers. The SPDC single photon source proposed to be developed 

in Phase II will have a significant market in the scientific community studying advanced 

quantum communications applications. In our Commercialization Plan, we are targeting the 

optical source market for both fiber-based and free-space Quantum Key Distribution. 

Topic: Manufacturing 

Subtopic: Flowing Water Optical Power Meter for Laser Measurements

Title: Flowing Water Optical Power Meter for Laser Measurements

OU: Physical Measurement Laboratory 
Firm: High Precision Devices, Inc. 

1668 Valtec Ln. 

Boulder, CO 80301 

Principal Investigator: Joshua West

Phone: 303-447-2558 

Email: jwest@hpd-online.com

Award Amount: $299,650.00 

Abstract: High Precision Devices, Inc. (HPD) proposes to continue and complete development 

of the 25 kW Flowing Water Optical Power Meter for Laser Measurements begun under a Phase 

I SBIR award. In the proposed Phase II work described, HPD will complete mechanical and 

electrical subsystems, apply a ceramic carbon nanotube coating to the internal surfaces of the 

optical head, complete development of control software and test the integrated power 

measurement system. A significant set of objectives include design refinements that will yield: 

reduced production costs, improved manufacturability, user interface enhancements, and 

additional safety features (e.g., safety interlocks in hardware and software). 

Commercial Applications: There is no laser power meter commercially available today for 

continuous wave high power lasers with accuracy of 1% or less and that is traceable to a NIST 

primary standard. This research will result in such a power meter becoming commercially 

available.

Topic: Manufacturing 

Subtopic: Angularly Sensitive Detectors for Transmission Scanning Electron Microscopy 

Title: Digital Micromirror Device Detection Scheme for Transmission Scanning Electron 

Microscopy 

OU: Material Measurement Laboratory

Firm: RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC 

1717 Stewart St. 

Santa Monica, CA 90404 

Principal Investigator: Bryce Jacobson

Phone: 310-822-5845 

Email: jacobson@radiabeam.com

Award Amount: $300,000.00 

Abstract: Accurate quantitative characterization of materials is crucial for a wide range of 

industrial and research applications. New transmission scanning electron microscopy (t-SEM) 
methods have the potential for high-resolution imaging similar to transmission electron 

microscopy (TEM) with a less expensive, more widely available SEM system. In Phase I, 

RadiaBeam Technologies demonstrated the feasibility of a novel t-SEM detection scheme based 

on digital micromirror device technology. In Phase II, a prototype detector will be developed and 

integrated into a standard SEM system. Its synchronization with the scanning beam, as well as its 

ability to perform transmission electron diffraction imaging, dark-field imaging, and angular 

selection will be demonstrated and characterized.

Commercial Applications: The demand for effective nanoscale material characterization is 

steadily growing, in large part due to the increasing need for accurate failure analysis across a 

wide range of industries. As a result of this demand, the global market for electron microscopes 

is expected to surpass $1.6 billion in annual global revenue by the year 2017, with SEM 

comprising the largest portion of this market. SEMs are about four times more common in the 

private sector than in public research institutions and universities. Therefore a likely potential 

customer for our detector would be a manufacturing company looking to upgrade the detector 

system on its SEM in order to achieve better material characterization in industries ranging from 

semiconductors to cosmetics. After our prototype is complete, we plan to partner with a large 

SEM manufacturer in order to quickly and efficiently bring the detector to market. 

Topic: Manufacturing 

Subtopic: Advanced Tactile Sensing Technology for Robotic Hands 

Title: Advanced Tactile Sensing for Dexterous Robot Hands in Industrial Automation and 

Assembly

OU: Electronics Laboratory

Firm: SynTouch LLC 

2222 South Figueora St. 

Los Angeles, CA 90007 

Principal Investigator: Jeremy Fishel

Phone: 213-493-4400 

Email: jermey.fishel@SynTouchLLC.com

Award Amount: $299,760.00 

Abstract: Robotic actuators exceed human speed, accuracy, and strength, but human hands are 

regarded as the ultimate in dexterity. We propose this is due absent human-like tactile sensing 

and intelligent reflexive behaviors in robots. We’ve created multimodal compliant tactile sensors 

that mimic the sensory ability of the human fingertip and algorithms that fill this absence. In this 

research we will integrate these with the Schunk Dexterous Hand (SDH). Working with NIST 

and our partners we will develop measures of robotic grasper dexterity and use them to evaluate 
our new tactile sensory technology with the older tactile sensors of the SDH. This will lead to a 

new level of dexterity, enabling advanced applications in industrial automation and assembly.

Commercial Applications: Since early beginnings within the automotive industry, the market 

for robots has continued on a rapid growth trajectory. As the concept of mass production slowly 

gives way to a mass customization model and robots are employed for a wider variety of 

functions, robots need to adapt to environments in which tasks are continually changing. And, 

they need to be able to incorporate these changes with minimal tooling requirements in order to 

maintain desired efficiencies. We have proposed a technology to meet these needs. The use of 

tactile sensing in robotic applications is not only anticipated to improve robotic dexterity, but this 

necessary feedback mechanism permits for the reduction in precision requirement of robotic 

arms and thusly presents a substantial cost savings to the end user.