TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Biomedical, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-264 - Air ASW Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Ionic Channel Amplifier technology to measure the electromagnetic spectrum from DC to 100Hz emulating the Ampullae of Lorezini.

DESCRIPTION: The current state-of-the-art silver/silver-chloride electrodes are not robust enough nor are they mass producible for the intended underwater detection application envisioned. An ionic channel amplifier, similar in performance to those found in sharks, capable of measuring EM fields which gives them the ability to detect stationary and moving underwater objects, is the goal. New technologies are sought to provide the capability to improve quick response target detection and localization in dangerous, sub surface, high current environments locating hostile objects or vehicles. The ability to emulate the elasmobranch sensory methodology in MEMS could provide direct measurement of DC fields in the fluids.

Innovative sensor technologies are sought that duplicate the shark's Ampullae of Lorezini and are capable of collecting, processing, transmitting and displaying the measured information. This should include the development and integration of advanced electronics coupled with innovative materials, electronics, and processing technology in a very small self contained deployable package. The technical challenges to consider are: Detection Spectrum (dc to 100 Hz); Measure ambient fields; Dynamic ranging, self calibration; and for the Deployable Package (basic capability); MEMS package location determination; Submersible in salt water to 300 meters; Transmit/Receive instruction and data (real-time); and An array configuration and matrix (maximize signal gain).

PHASE I: Perform design and analysis of the proposed ionic channel amplifier in MEMS package size. Define its performance characteristics (including, but not limited to, spatial resolution, spectral resolution, spectral coverage, speed of operation, data transfer requirements, and power consumption), develop the associated component level electronic circuits, and select the major components for proving the feasibility of the proposed system. Analyze all possible failure mechanisms and estimate sensor reliability, based on the performance of the electrical and mechanical subsystems.
Establish feasibility through limited lab concept demonstration verifying subcomponents and design.

PHASE II: Design and develop a full-scale prototype ionic amplifier ready to conduct a seawater-based demonstration to show that it will be able to perform according to the Phase 1 design.

PHASE III: Transition technology to the fleet.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: To the MEMS Ionic Channel Amplifier could enable medical diagnosis, remote security monitoring of facilities and vital infrastructure assets.

REFERENCES:
1. Bullock, T. H. 2005. Electroreception. ISBN 0387231927.

2. Kalmijn, A. J. 1966. Electro-perception in sharks and rays. Nature 212:1232-33.

3. Kalmijn, A. J. 1971. The Electric Sense of sharks and rays. Journal of Experimental Biology. 55:371-83.

4. G.R. Broun and V.I. Govardovskii. Electrical model of the electroreceptor of the Ampulla of Lorenzini. Neurophysiology, 0090-2977 (print), Volume 15, Number 3 / May, 1983
http://www.springerlink.com/content/lm38302873761751/.

KEYWORDS: Sensors; Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems; Signal Processing; Biology; Electromagnetic.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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