Low-Cost Biodegradable Massive Sensor Networks for Submarine Detection

The proposed SBIR program would design and implement effective, networked multi-sensor means for the detection of submarines at close range in littoral waters. During Phase I, NanoSonic would develop two designs for simple, low-cost and biodegradablesubmarine detection sensors and multi-sensor systems. The result of the Phase I program would be a downselection to a single implementation approach, in cooperation with a major DoD contractor intimately involved in distributed littoral battlespace sensorsystems. Brassboard hardware based on that approach would be fabricated, deployed and evaluated during Phase II in cooperation with that contractor. NanoSonic specifically anticipates the transition of developed technology in cooperation with thatcontractor. NanoSonic would also work with Virginia Tech researchers who have specific experience with small autonomous submergible multi-sensor platforms and their cooperative networked communication, through Navy programs. The NanoSonic PI has directexperience in the defense industry on similar sensor, propagation and cooperative identification problems through unclassified and classified efforts. The SBIR program would result in 1) low-cost massive sensor network approaches for littoral ASWdetection, 2) cooperative multi-sensor network concepts that could be applied to terrestrial sensing applications, and 3) methods for implementing biodegradable sensor materials and devices. Low-cost massive multi-sensor networks have defense applicationsfor the cooperative detection and classification of air, land, and sea vehicles, land and water troop movements, ambient electromagnetic fields associated with voice and data communication, and chemical and biological warfare agents. Commercialapplications of similar networks include perimeter security and nondestructive evaluation systems.