This is big... really big. If "tiny tech" involves nanometers
and the spaces between molecules, "macro" deals with the opposite
end of the spectrum: larger-scale technological, economic, and even
socio-political systems. Here, researchers look at the big picture,
in areas with many interconnected components such as telecommunications,
aerospace, and transportation. When people ask, "What's wrong with
the world today?" complex systems innovators set out to answer the
question... and solve the problem.
- (active) indicates project we are currently funding
- (completed) indicates project has completed funding
- (spin-out) indicates project has formed a company
George Barbastathis: Ultra-fast
low actuation voltage RF MEMS switch
This innovation could lead to the first commercially viable replacement for solid-state
switches, paving the way for next-generation radio frequency products in testing,
military radar, and consumer wireless markets. (complete) Chiping Chen: Making 3G and 4G a reality
with low-cost amplifiers for wireless base stations
The cost of base station amplifiers has been a significant barrier to next-generation
wireless deployment. A revolutionary new advancement of a decades old technology—microwave
tubes—could change all that. (complete, spin-out)
Eric Feron: Slow down warning
system for safe highways
On the highway, brake-light warnings are often "too
little, too late." This unique innovation would make the highways
safer for drivers, even if a small fraction of vehicles had them
installed. (complete)
Michael Ernst: Automatically Generating System Specifications
Some systems are so complicated, it's difficult to identify their
problems, much less solve them. But this project is developing a
way to understand, test, and debug highly complex software systems. (complete)
Samir Nayfeh: Short-warp weaving for fast-changing
fashions
This novel method of weaving cloth could disrupt the
upscale apparel market by enabling clothing production schedules to
meet rapidly changing demand. (complete)
Keith Nelson: Power Source for Terahertz Imaging
A compact power source enabling safe and efficient terahertz imaging for explosive detection and other applications. (active)
Greg Wornell: Advanced algorithms
to increase wireless network capacity
Really smart antenna algorithms have the opportunity to increase
the capacity of wireless networks to prepare for the upcoming
explosion
in demand for wireless video services. (complete)
Laurence R. Young : Improved Safety Helmets
This project proposes to develop a new safety helmet, with novel and reusable materials, that could possibly reducce the effect of localized head injuries by up to 40%. (complete)
Very energy efficient, high data rate transmitters for broadband wireless communications, which will increase battery life in handsets and reduce heat generation in base stations. (active) Tomas Palacios : Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors
A new approach to the fabrication technology of Gallium Nitride semiconductors to reduce the cost and improve the performance of electronic products (renewal from Spring 2007 grant round).
Alex Slocum: A tunable MEMS LC filter
By controlling nanometer-scale spaces between-relatively huge-millimeter-scale surfaces, this technology might be one of the keys to the convergence of wireless communications. (complete)
Peter So: A 3 Dimensional Lithographic Microfabrication System
A 3D two-photon microfabrication system to rapidly build high resolution micro-scale structures. (active)
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