The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded nearly $3.9 million in grants to 21 small businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These grants support innovative technology development in various fields, including semiconductors, forensics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
The awardees, located in 16 states, will receive funding to establish the merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of their proposed research and development. The SBIR program has previously supported technology advances such as improved MRI safety, more secure electronic health records, and better sensors.
Some of the projects funded include:
– A device to estimate the size of minute drops in advanced spray nozzles and fuel injectors for improved engine efficiency
– A software application for automated measuring machines based on an ANSI standard for advanced manufacturing
– A 3-D nondestructive testing technology to detect defects in parts produced by advanced manufacturing
– A device for high-accuracy radio frequency metrology with applications in detection and imaging of concealed weapons
– A set of nanometer-scale calibration particles for optical sizing equipment, electron microscopy, and semiconducting measurement tools
The Phase II awardees will continue their projects, which include a rapid, precision sensor for applications in the semiconductor industry and laser materials processing, and a compact, accurate sensor to monitor high-pressure, high-temperature processes in chemical plants.
Keywords: Precision Measurements, Radio Frequency Metrology, Optical Sizing Equipment, Semiconductor Industry, Quantum Processors
