Nanosilicon Explosive Device for Micro Air Vehicles

To address the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate need for microscale technologies for ultra-small, low collateral damage ordnance packages to be used in Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Nanosilicon Explosive Device for Micro Air Vehicles (NOVEL). This proposed device is based on porous silicon structures filled with oxidizer. Porous Si serves as a reagent and packaging material simultaneously. The innovation in the design and fabrication of such nanostructures, utilizing silicon-compatible proprietary processing, will enable the engineering of efficient micro-explosive devices that can serve a dual role as micro-ordnance as well as building blocks for MAV onboard electronics, thus maximizing payload. NOVEL will enable the fabrication of inexpensive micro-ordnance that can be seamlessly integrated into MAVs, which directly addresses the AFRL/RW need to conduct military operations in urban terrain and effectively limit collateral effects. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate feasibility of the proposed approach by the analysis, fabrication, and proof-of-concept testing of prototype NOVEL devices. In Phase II, POC plans to develop an optimized NOVEL prototype to demonstrate its advanced performance and compatibility with Air Force platforms. BENEFIT: The proposed NOVEL technology would allow actualizing micro-ordnance devices. The proposed advanced nanoscale silicon based explosive devices are expected to find applications in such fields as military operations in urban terrain, anti-tamper devices, industrial processes, airbag fuses, as well as Homeland Security operations and law enforcement operations requiring low collateral damage or the protection of sensitive data. Due to the unique performance at low cost expected from the proposed materials and devices, all these markets can be potentially addressable with the proposed technology. The proposed technology will greatly benefit the American public by increasing security and safety, as well as saving taxpayers money due to the inexpensive design.