San Diego State University Awards
- Project Name: RF/Optical Receiver Sensitivity Degradation from Exposure to High-Power Electromagnetic Pulses or Microware Signals
Awarding Agency: US Army Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center
Project Summary:
The sensitivity of a receiver (e.g., its ability to perform the intended function satisfactorily) is perhaps the most critical specification in both optical and RF wireless communication systems, and this specification depends almost entirely on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. To disable such a receiver requires degrading the SNR by increasing the noise level, which can be accomplished by: increasing the externally-generated noise (or interference) reaching the receiver; or increase the noise produced internally within the receiver itself. The challenges we face include: relating SNR degradation to power density in a theoretically rigorous manner; not relying upon either empirical or detailed numerical simulation method; developing models applicable to both RF FETs and Avalanche Photodiodes.
Outcome:
Completed the Signal-to-Noise degradation to power density by determining the power spectral density of avalanche noise current in the device and developed models applicable to both RF FETs and Avalanche Photodiodes. - Project Name: Stable Manufacturing of Advanced Powder Components by Ultra-Rapid Pressure- and Field-Assisted Sintering
Awarding Agency: US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Project Summary:
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) aka Field Assisted Sintering (FAS) has recently emerged as a viable manufacturing technology, capable of reducing sintering times from hours to minutes for nearly all classes of materials. There is a need to investigate the integration of SPS/FAS with microwave sintering to push the boundaries of sintering science. The objectives of this research are to (a) develop a new breakthrough technology of microwave pressing (pressure-assisted microwave sintering), (b) develop new SPS/FAS tooling for high-pressure, carbonization-free processing, and (c) investigate SPS net-shaping capability.
Outcome:
The project achieved the material selection and design of experiments for net-shaping studies, investigation of conductive net-shaped materials, investigation of semi-conductive net-shaped materials, the investigation of non-conductive net-shaped materials, the theoretical modeling & experimental verification. - Project Name: Science and Technology Research Partnership Program (STRP)
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Project Summary:
The U.S. DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds early-stage research and development in three technology areas: photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and systems integration with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and domestic benefit of solar technologies on the grid. The goals of SETO are to develop the technologies and knowledge base needed to continue the sweeping cost reductions seen throughout the industry since 2010, to improve the ability of solar energy to integrate into the country’s electric grid, and to combine solar technologies with storage, efficiency, and other value-adding technologies that allow solar to contribute to enhanced grid reliability and resiliency through the development of a science and technology partnerships that allow students and primary investigators at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to engage in research projects with underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Outcome:
The project engaged in Solar Energy research with Minority-Serving Institutions enhancing photovoltaics, solar-thermal power, and integrating systems for increased efficiencies, consumer participation, and improved communities.
