Functional Materials and Devices
Abstract
The Functional Materials and Devices thrust is developing advanced materials, components and systems to improve device performance for DoD structural, sensing, imaging and communication applications. One focus of this thrust involves development of advanced transductional materials that convert one form of energy to another for DoD-relevant applications. While promising transduction materials are known for a variety of applications, integration into devices has not been realized. Another focus area is the development of physics-based models that predict material behavior when illuminated by high peak power electromagnetic interference. A third focus area involves development of new multi-functional materials and device designs that will radically decrease the size, weight and power requirements of high-energy photon sources. Such devices should enable fieldable detection units for sensing, non-destructive evaluation of parts, and detection of DoD-relevant targets. A fourth focus area is developing new liquid-based, large-aperture imaging systems such as telescopes. Such telescopes would break the unfavorable, exponential scaling between aperture size and cost for normal telescopes and enable low-cost imaging platforms for ground- and space-based applications. Another focus area under this thrust involves novel nano-architected materials to enhance device-relevant properties for applications to quantum-enhanced sensors. Finally, novel design optimization approaches will be explored where material composition and microstructure are included as explicit, continuous variables alongside shape optimization. This co-optimization of shape and material together will enable new combinations of structural performance and sustainability for a variety of DoD applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 26290fa3db635b5d638bf5fa58ed71da