Compact Mid Ultraviolet Technology | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

DARPA (Microsystems Technology Office) is seeking research proposals under BAA 10-45, titled Compact Mid Ultraviolet Technology, focused on breakthroughs in efficient mid-ultraviolet light sources in roughly the 200 to 300 nm range, with particular emphasis on devices operating below 275 nm. The program is aimed at enabling compact, high-performance ultraviolet emitters by advancing the core semiconductor building blocks that currently limit performance in this wavelength regime. In practical terms, DARPA wants teams to solve the materials and device-engineering challenges needed to produce efficient UV light emitting diodes and chip-scale semiconductor lasers, including the supporting technologies that make such emitters viable as manufacturable, integrated components.

The technical scope centers on foundational elements required for high-efficiency deep/mid-UV emitters: heteroepitaxy (high-quality growth of dissimilar semiconductor materials), optical waveguides, resonant cavities, and electrical contacts suitable for UV device structures. The intent is not simply to tweak existing devices, but to develop the enabling science and engineering that can make sub-275 nm LEDs and semiconductor lasers meaningfully efficient and compact. DARPA also leaves room for alternative compact laser approaches that are not strictly semiconductor lasers, but only if the resulting system footprint and performance can realistically compete with a semiconductor-like solution at the chip scale.

A major motivation for the program is the operational impact of truly compact mid-UV sources. Efficient emitters in this band can materially reduce size, weight, and power for fielded systems that rely on ultraviolet illumination, including chemical and biological agent detectors and portable water purification tools, along with other applications where UV wavelength capability is a limiting factor. In other words, the solicitation is framed around moving UV source technology from bulky, power-hungry, or lower-capability implementations toward small, efficient devices that improve deployability and overall system performance.

The opportunity is explicitly oriented toward innovative, high-risk/high-payoff research that could produce revolutionary advances in devices or systems. Work that is primarily evolutionary, meaning incremental improvements to the existing state of practice without a clear pathway to a step-change in capability, is specifically discouraged or excluded. Applicants should therefore frame their approaches around overcoming fundamental bottlenecks (materials quality, doping and contact strategies, light extraction and optical confinement, cavity formation at short wavelengths, reliability constraints, and other hard limits typical of the UV regime) rather than proposing modest refinements.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary Department of Defense R&D funding opportunity (CFDA 12.910, Research and Technology Development) and may be awarded using cooperative agreements, grants, other transactions, or procurement contracts, depending on DARPA’s determination. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition is open to a broad range of entity types, subject to any specifics in the announcement text. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement stated.

The timeline was updated via Amendment 02, which revised the full proposal due date. The original full proposal closing date was June 15, 2010, but the amended (current) closing date is July 1, 2010. Key related dates include the posting date of March 22, 2010, an Industry Day on April 16, 2010 (details referenced in the BAA), and a proposal abstract due date of April 30, 2010. The conformed BAA document through Amendment 02 notes that changes are highlighted in yellow. The opportunity later moved to archive status with an archive date of January 14, 2011.

For access and administrative questions, the announcement points to the MTO solicitations page and lists a DARPA point of contact (John Albrecht, Program Manager/BAA Coordinator), particularly for assistance if there are issues accessing the full announcement materials electronically.

Browse more business programs for Technology Service Providers

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: Tanuem Creek Fish Passage and Infrastructure Improvements

Previous opportunity: CACFP Child Care Wellness Grant FY2010

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for DARPA BAA 10 45

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DARPA BAA 10 45) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DARPA BAA 10 45", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.