Priorities will be given to approaches which use rigorous sciences and mathematics as the basis to develop methodologies, models, algorithms, and prototypes for the generation of fundamental knowledge applicable to a wide variety of machines and equipment, instead of ad-hoc approaches useful to only one or very few particular machines. The topics and abstracts of recently funded research projects are available on-line . They should only be used as references and should not be repeated, however, as all proposals must contain highly innovative research components in order to be funded. Novel precision mechanical techniques for micromachining that lead to orders of magnitude improvement in accuracy Integration of the precision mechanical micromachining technology with the chip technology Proposals from small, multi-disciplinary groups are encouraged. A broad disciplinary base is sought, bringing expertise from multiple engineering fields as well as non-engineering fields such as mathematics and computer science.
Many relevant theories exist in the various fields of engineering as well as other fields.
Investigators seeking funding for small group awards are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the program director.