A new amplification technique using nonlinear oscillators can convert signals' trajectories into symbols for enhanced communication. This technique has the potential to improve communications for ships and other vehicles in remote locations.
The stern flap design has reduced the power required to propel Spruance and Ticonderoga-class destroyers, resulting in annual fuel savings of 3,600-4,700 barrels. The Navy plans to retrofit these ships with stern flaps, as well as Arleigh Burke and Oliver Hazard Perry classes, leading to an estimated $380 million in life cycle savings.
The Harvard Ocean Prediction System (HOPS) is a modular system that provides forecasts of ocean weather and information about ocean life. HOPS has been used to predict the location of crash debris from EgyptAir Flight 990 and identify promising waters for commercial fishing.
Dr. Robert Pinkel, a leading researcher in acoustical oceanography, has received the prestigious Walter Munk Award for his groundbreaking contributions to Doppler methods and sector scan sonar technology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of small-scale ocean structure.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can cool computer chips more efficiently than existing materials. This innovation has the potential to increase computer speed and extend processor lifetimes, making it an attractive solution for the Navy's environmentally friendly cooling needs.
The Navy is hosting its first annual Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference to discuss reducing barriers between government and commercial industries. The conference aims to leverage commercial products and technology to maintain advanced capabilities and reduce costs.
Researchers at ONR have developed a new wavelet technique that reveals objects in satellite images using highly sophisticated neural network technology. The technique uses a smart sensing capability modeled on the human visual system, surveying the scene with two sensors to compare and contrast data.
The Manatee Protection System uses acoustic sensors to detect manatees in the Port Canaveral locks, preventing collisions and saving their lives. The system's advanced technology, developed by ONR-supported scientists, has already saved five manatees during installation and early testing.
A semi-fuel cell hybrid has been developed to propel unmanned undersea vehicles, providing a cheap and safe energy source with four times the energy of current batteries. The technology also features a long shelf life and uses seawater as the battery fluid.
VRAM memory has the potential to replace mechanically driven storage media, reducing transistors needed for lower cost and retaining information without constant refreshing. The technology is well-suited for space, avionics, and shipboard applications due to its high-density, non-volatility, radiation-hardness, and low-power attributes.
Researchers develop Infrared Search and Track system to enhance low-altitude target detection. The new system will complement existing radars, providing improved detection in low-visibility conditions.
Researchers aim to optimize internet traffic flow by allocating available capacity fairly among competing packets of information. A new algorithm developed could be applied to various networks, including telephone systems and power grids.
A new thermoelectric material has been discovered with the potential to significantly improve cooling efficiency in electronic systems. The material can drop temperatures by as low as 100 degrees when stimulated with an electrical current.
Scientists at Naval Research Laboratory created a two-sided power transistor using commercial silicon wafers, increasing efficiency by up to 5-10 times. The optimized transistor can operate at high frequencies and voltages, ideal for naval applications such as propulsion and communications systems.
A team of MIT researchers has successfully created an atom amplifier, increasing the intensity of a beam of atoms while maintaining their precise quantum mechanical wave formation. This achievement completes the laser analogy and has significant implications for precision sensors in navigation, geological exploration, and atomic clocks.
Quantum Magnetics Inc. is adapting nuclear quadrupole resonance technology for landmine detection in a portable detector for U.S. marines and a vehicle-mounted system for the U.S. Army. The technology was originally developed for explosives and narcotics detection, with successful demonstrations at airport operations.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University successfully removed a golf-ball sized tumor from a patient's brain using a precise infrared beam of light. The operation marks the first time a free electron laser has been used in a clinical setting, paving the way for potentially more precise and effective brain tumor removals.
MIT researchers have developed XenoMouse technology, which enables the amplification of atoms for genomics-based antibody drug development. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of fully human monoclonal antibody drugs with high affinity and reduced side effects.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new patterning technology called Lithographically Induced Self Assembly (LISA), which creates arrays of ultrasmall pillars without the need for a carefully engineered mask. The technique has potential applications in computer memory chips, flat-panel displays, and DNA sorting.
The US Navy is developing a new system to treat non-oily wastewater from its vessels, eliminating costs and fines associated with discharging wastewater. The Aerated Non-Oily Wastewater Membrane Treatment System (AMTS) has shown promise in treating graywater and vacuum-collected sewage, allowing ships to remain on their stations longer.
Researchers are decoding neural activity to translate brain signals into prosthetic limb movements, potentially empowering paralyzed patients to regain control. The technology involves implanting electrodes in the brain and using computer algorithms to interpret neural patterns.
Researchers at USC have created a machine system that recognizes spoken words better than humans, with potential benefits for Navy sonar and improving interaction between man and computer. The system may eventually enable voice control of computers, help the deaf, and aid air traffic controllers in noisy environments.
Recent research reveals a master regulator protein that prevents DNA replication at the wrong time in the cell cycle, ensuring each progeny cell has the correct number of gene-bearing chromosomes. This discovery could lead to new design principles for operating autonomous devices.
UCSD researchers successfully integrated electronic neuron within a group of biological neurons, demonstrating the potential for restoring brain function. The key finding was the simplification of mathematical algorithms, allowing for a radical reduction in variables to control a neuron's overall function.
RADM Gaffney is recognized for his efforts to promote quality, forward-looking and innovative research administration through the Gulf Coast Initiative of 1998 and industry-academia partnerships. His work resulted in new partnerships and increased dialog between regions and ONR.
Researchers have reported the highest and most stable electron emission densities observed to date, desirable for flat-panel displays and microwave amplifiers. The carbon nanotubes' sharp tip and chemical robustness contribute to their superior stability and uniform emission.
A team at the Naval Research Laboratory has successfully demonstrated room-temperature operation of an interband III-V laser diode emitting at a wavelength beyond three microns. This achievement brings gallium-antimony-based technology closer to practical and portable mid-infrared systems needed for military and commercial applications.
Researchers at NRL have created a new type of glass material for use in future opto-electronic devices, which could lead to advancements in optical sensors, miniaturized optical systems, high-speed communication components, and more. The material's properties are highly dependent on its layered structure and composition.
The SHOWEX experiment aims to better predict wave formation and severity, improving navigation safety at sea and weather forecasting. Researchers will use a range of instruments, including aircraft, craft, buoys, and subsurface sensors, to study wave components and their interactions.
Researchers have developed seven nonlinear control laws for multi-axis control of high-performance aircraft, which could potentially save battle-damaged planes from combat. These approaches have shown spectacular results on simplified models but display pathological responses on higher fidelity simulation models.
Scientists at JILA have successfully cooled a gas of potassium atoms to temperatures near absolute zero, creating a Fermi degenerate gas. This achievement demonstrates the behavior of fermions, which are essential building blocks of matter, and could lead to breakthroughs in atomic clock technology and electronic devices.
Researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center are developing new statistical techniques to aid human operators in detecting and defending computer networks against intrusion. The new algorithms will filter out access attempts from strange places or at strange hours, or any attempts asking for unusual information.
A new system-on-a-chip technology from CPU Tech enables seamless upgrades to high-end electronic systems without rewriting software. This innovative solution addresses the issue of electronic obsolescence, which can cost hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
The Office of Naval Research is testing a new weather radar system that delivers potentially superior at-sea weather information. The system, which uses the Navy's SPY-1 phased array radar, will provide direct weather feedback and input to tactical weather forecasts.
The Second Annual International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Competition will take place at the Naval Systems Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida. Six university teams will compete for a $10,000 prize, with a focus on developing capable AUVs and top-notch engineers to work on them.
Researchers have developed a system to network up to 30 remote sensors along a single fiber optic cable, allowing for periodic assessments of structural strain. The Navy and Federal Highway Administration are exploring the use of this technology to schedule maintenance and update design codes.
A CAD-driven laser forming process may eliminate costly manufacturing practices for aircraft structural components. This technology aims to reduce material usage, inventory, and costs by leveraging a layered manufacturing method.
Researchers developed a novel afterburner technology that increases waste consumption in marine incinerators by a factor of 3.2 while reducing carbon monoxide emission by the same amount. The technology also eliminated visible smoke emission during operation.
The ONR report highlights the need for further research into the effects of underwater noise on marine life, including non-hearing physiological effects and behavioral changes. The report also reviews current scientific knowledge and expert opinions on the topic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impacts of human activiti...
Gallium Nitride (GaN) systems enable smaller, brighter, longer-lasting light-emitting diodes with increased data storage-density. The Navy is interested in these blue-light emitters for microwave amplifiers and highly efficient white-light emitters.
The Modular-MPC 1/16 system by Aspex Microsystems Ltd. offers high-speed 3D data visualization with 10 frames-per-second performance for 16 million data elements. It achieves over 25 billion operations per second and is suitable for complex applications like computational fluid dynamics.
Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover
The Active Tuned Mass Absorber (ATMA) system reduces propeller-induced sound in turbo-prop aircraft, improving passenger comfort and enhancing military surveillance. With over 200 units installed on DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, ATMA has proven effective in reducing interior noise levels by up to 90%.
Researchers develop a novel method to reduce decompression sickness risk in divers by introducing hydrogen-metabolizing bacteria into the intestine. This method uses Methanobrevibac smithii to metabolize excess gas, potentially treating digestive issues like bloating and discomfort.
A Navy laboratory has successfully demonstrated an AI-powered tutoring system that reduces the number of instructors needed for team training. The system tracks keystroke and eye movement to provide real-time feedback, enabling more effective high-functioning teamwork.
A new product derived from a marine alga has been developed by Marine Polymer Technologies, which can induce blood clot formation and stop severe bleeding. The bandage is lightweight, easy to transport, and has a shelf life of up to two years, presenting less risk for disease transmission.
Researchers have created an alloy that can handle high-power and high-frequency microelectronic devices better than pure silicon-carbide. The alloy conducts twice as much current, making it a promising material for next-generation electronics.
Researchers have identified a compound with blood clot-forming abilities without normal clotting proteins, promising reduced bleeding on the battlefield. The Marine Polymer Technologies company found that poly-n-acetyl glucosamine effectively stops severe bleeding even without fibrin or thrombin.
The UCSB transistor achieved a world record frequency of 1200 gigahertz, significantly improving the sensitivity of solid-state radar systems. This innovation enables Navy systems to detect small objects in cluttered environments, such as coastal zones.