shortdr@ecn.purdue.edu (Dennis R Short) (04/10/91)
The following were found in DOD University Research Initiative Multidisciplinary Research Program for FY 92-96 Feb 91 I found it interesting to examine "here and now" nano based research and compare it to the groups discussions. Apologies for any typos that slip through Dennis Short -- shortdr@ecn.purdue.edu ARMY- Nanotechnology (pg 10) DESCRIPTION: The objective of this program is to develop the theoretical, modeling, and experimental tools to optimize manipulation of materials on the nanoscale. Experimental aspects of this program will rely upon newly developed technologies for nanofabrication. Topics of interest include research on nanometer-size atomic and molecular aggregates such as as atomic clusters, nanofabrication including the use of biomaterials or highly collimated x-ray sources, the spatial and temporal design of energy beams, and studies of size-controlled multimers among other innovative topics. Ultrafast subnanosecond (picosecond to femtosecond) real-time microdynamics of such material structures will be studied as well as mechano-chemically active biomolecules and displacement sensitive biomembrane structures. Elementary quintal excitations in these structures: optical, magnetic, and electrical properties; and thermal and mechanical properties will be studied. Physical bases of barrier problems in the fabrication techniques for device performance will be included. This program impacts many of DOD critical technologies, Especially "signal processing" and "semiconductor materials and microelectronic circuits." Components: Multidisciplinary research in two $400K block programs. Point of Contact: Director, Physics Division Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 (919) 549-0641 ARMY- Biomimetic Processing of Materials Description: A program on Biomimetic Processing of Materials is proposed to study and, eventually, to emulate the approach taken by living organisms as they produce complex and highly functional composite materials. A key concept in the formation of organized biological materials lies in the "in situ" precipitation and growth of particles within a matrix to form a composite structure. The goal of this program is to develop an understanding of the fundamental relationship between the biological process and material performance in order to synthesize advanced composite materials for electronic and structural applications. Basic research is needed on the chemical, structural, and topographical properties of the matrix surface that control molecular interactions at the mineral-matrix interface. These regulate the deposition of the mineral phase into hierarchical structures with mircostructural constituents extending down to the nanometer range. Under this initiative, the mechanisms controlling the nucleation and growth of particles would be addressed along with the interactions that govern particle size, shape, orientation, and degree of bonding between particle and matrix phases. Other considerations which should be addressed include the influence of reaction kinetics, scaling, and architecture. Components: Multidisciplinary research in a single $400K block program. Point of contact: Director, Material Science Division Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211
moseley@titan.tsd.arlut.utexas.edu (Austin Moseley) (04/13/91)
The DOD's crtitical technologies' program is very interesting; it's as if they got a bunch of sci fi heavies together and asked them what to invest in. From what I have read in Red Star and Pravda, its giving the Russians fits like no other. They call it something almost untranslateable: something like Strategic Technological Superiority, except the words carry connotations of a very deliberate attempt to achieve overwhelming superiority in all area by developing theories and ideas in all fields which no one has, building and proving the technologies, then fielding a force based upon these ideas. When this force is fielded, that's when your enemy finds out about it. Your enemy cannot counteract it, because he does not know about it, has not the technology to match it, and cannot understand it. Nanotechnology is of the same cloth.