Architected 2d and 3d materials

Artificial Impedance Surfaces Artificial impedance surfaces enable antennas that can be completely integrated into a structure, eliminating weight, drag, and storage needs on vehicles and aircraft. Our work in active impedance matching is challenging conventional perceptions about the limitations of antenna size versus bandwidth and has the potential for applications such as extremely small RF tags and highly capable miniature platforms.

Battery and Fuel Cell Technologies Our pioneering work in energy systems is identifying novel techniques for energy storage and transport. With our expertise and equipment, we can characterize, diagnose and predict the performance of state-of-the-art battery and electrochemical energy storage systems. Efforts with nanotechnology and microscaling have resulted in new thermal management materials that improve the spread and transport of heat in complex systems. We've also developed novel energy-generation concepts, such as regenerative and microbial fuel cell systems that can provide the energy needed to power distributed, remote, unattended or energy-challenged systems and missions.

FastScat™ HRL's FastScat™ code provides unprecedented speed and accuracy in calculating and modeling electromagnetic scattering and has become a valuable resource in developing new classes of antenna technologies of all sizes. We are also developing time-domain electromagnetics code with algorithmic performance advantages similar to FastScat™ that will become a cornerstone for applications for defense and reconnaissance customers.

Micro-Architected Materials Our innovative methods for architecting and fabricating structural materials at the micro level have enabled new classes of extremely lightweight materials that can be tailored for ultra-high strength, variable stiffness, engineered thermal expansion, and even embedded functionality. "Micro-truss" architectures offer multifunction within the structure, while morphing skin deposits provide structural flexibility to adapt to a variety of environmental conditions. These unique materials could significantly reduce the structural weight of land and air vehicles while providing tailored, on-demand aerodynamic performance and improved functionality, such as crash energy dissipation and vibration damping.