Sbir phase II: novel manufacturing method for precision optical encoders

Active Cooperative Agreement Awarded Last action

Award ID
2322184
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$1,000,000

Award facts

Completion date 76% complete
Originally
Place of performance
Lafayette, IN, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

As the agency reported it.

Abstract
This small business innovation research (sbir) phase II project aims to develop a novel manufacturing method to produce high-accuracy, optical encoders. Encoders are sensors that measure position, either linear or angular, and convert IT into an electronic signal. Modern automation and robotics systems heavily rely on encoders for precision positioning and motion control. The global encoder market is projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2028, growing from $2.4 billion in 2022. Increasingly accurate encoders are needed to further innovate and enable the manufacturing of complex next-generation products, such as advanced microchips, implantable medical devices, and precision weapon systems. As design specifications become more stringent, the need to meet the demand for high-precision encoders becomes paramount. Successful completion of the project will establish a pilot capability to cost-effectively produce encoders with over an order of magnitude finer fundamental resolution. The intellectual merit of this project is focused on developing a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing of optical encoders. Traditional encoder production involves using contact photolithography to replicate a pattern from a master photomask. However, this process requires a full-size photomask, introduces defects and errors into the device, and limits the achievable accuracy and resolution. To address these drawbacks, a novel, high-resolution, projection lithography system is being developed to drive an additive micro-fabrication technique. The new approach offers numerous advantages, including economically viable production of precision encoders with sub-nanometer resolution, improved manufacturing yield, and shorter lead times. The phase II research activities encompass the development of a full-size hardware prototype with performance traceable to NIST (national institute of standards and technology) standards, as well as the establishment of the necessary infrastructure to support the newly developed technology. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $0
Original award $1,000,000

Quick answers

Who received award 2322184?

2322184 was awarded to ZS Systems LLC by National Science Foundation on October 1, 2023.

How much is award 2322184 worth?

$1,000,000 has been obligated on 2322184.

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