FOA-AFRL-AFOSR-2023-0008 DEPSCoR-RC.docx

AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT #

FOA-AFRL-AFOSR-2023-0008

FY23 DEFENSE ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH (DEPSCoR) –

RESEARCH COLLABORATION (RC)

OVERVIEW INFORMATION

The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Research Collaboration (RC) opportunity. The program is sponsored and managed by the Basic Research Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD [R&E]), awarded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and administered through the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The DoD plans to award FY23 DEPSCoR appropriations through this announcement.

DEPSCoR's objectives are to: (1) increase the number of university researchers in eligible States/Territories capable of performing science and engineering (S&E research responsive to the needs of the DoD; and (2) enhance the capabilities of institutions of higher education (IHE) in eligible States/Territories (listed below) to develop, plan, and execute (S&E) research that is relevant to the mission of the DoD, and competitive under the peer-review systems used for awarding Federal research assistance; (3) increase the probability of long-term growth in the competitively awarded financial assistance that IHE in eligible States receive from the Federal Government for S&E research.

Consistent with these longterm objectives of building research infrastructure, the DoD intends to competitively make, and fund from fiscal year 2023 appropriations, multiyear awards for S&E research in areas relevant to the DoD’s mission and important to national security.

This funding opportunity aims to create basic research collaborations between a pair of researchers, namely 1) Applicant/Principal Investigator (PI), henceforth referred to as Applicant, a full-time faculty member who has never served as a PI on a prior DoD directly funded research Prime award and 2) Collaborator/co-Principal Investigator (co-PI), henceforth referred to as Collaborator, an investigator who will provide mentorship to the Applicant and has served as a PI on a DoD directly funded research Prime award actively between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2023. This structure is aimed at introducing potential applicants to the DoD’s unique research challenges and its supportive research ecosystem.

Prime award defined in the context of this announcement is the DoD legal instrument (assistance or acquisition) that a Principal Investigator receives directly from a DoD awarding agency and not indirectly from a non-DoD pass-through entity to carry out scientific research.

· You are eligible to apply as the Applicant under the DEPSCoR-RC FOA as long as you were NOT listed as the Principal Investigator on a previous DoD funded research award, and are a full-time faculty member in a tenured or tenure track position in a DEPSCoR eligible State/Territory. Being a “Co-PI” or “sub PI” on a prior DoD funded award does not count as being a “PI” for the purposes of eligibility of the Applicant for the DEPSCoR-RC FOA.

· The DEPSCoR-RC White Paper package must include prior research award documentation which indicates that the Collaborator was a PI on a previous DoD directly funded research Prime award between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2023. If the Collaborator is not identified as the PI within the award document, a letter from the awarding agency point of contact should be furnished supporting the assertion within the timeframe identified.

· The Collaborator must have served as a Principal Investigator on a directly funded DoD research Prime award during the eligibility period and not have been subcontracted by: other PIs, non-DoD entities, or companies as a Co-Principal Investigator. Subawards indirectly funded by the DoD where the Collaborator has served as a Co-Principal Investigator do not count as eligible criteria for the Collaborator for the purposes of this funding opportunity announcement.

· The flow charts below serve as a guide for determining Applicant and Collaborator eligibility. Each diamond shape is an eligibility criterion question which elicits either a “yes” or “no” response. You are not eligible to submit a White Paper or Full Proposal if any “yes” or “no” response leads to the “Not eligible” outcome. Submissions found to be “Not eligible” will not be subject to technical review. You are not eligible to submit a White Paper or Full Proposal if you do not meet this requirement.

Tenured or tenure-track faculty members with appointments at IHE, in the following States/Territories are eligible to apply for DEPSCoR opportunities under this announcement: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Hyperlinks have been embedded within this document and appear as underlined, and blue-colored words in the midst of paragraphs. The reader may “jump” to the linked section within this document by “clicking” (CTRL + CLICK, or CLICK).

SUMMARY OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

1. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY NAME

Air Force Office of Scientific Research 875 North Randolph Street, STE 325, Room 3112 Arlington, VA 22203

2. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Research Collaboration (RC)

3. ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

Initial Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

4. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER

FOA-AFRL-AFOSR-2023-0008

5. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA)

NUMBER(S)

12.431 – Basic Scientific Research

6. KEY DATES

Schedule of Events

RunGrants website open for White Paper submission (https://dod-basicresearch.nvision.noblis.org/program/depscor)

DEPSCoR Webinar For details and registration, please visit (https://dod-basicresearch.nvision.noblis.org/program/depscor)

RunGrants Registration (strongly suggested by) Cut-off date for Q&As with Program Officers

White Paper and Supporting Documentation submission on RunGrants website (https://dod-basicresearch.nvision.noblis.org/program/depscor) (required by)

Full Proposal Submission (by invitation only) electronically on Grants.gov website (submitted by)

Table of Contents

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVES

The aim of DEPSCoR is to improve the research capabilities at institutions of higher education (IHE) in eligible States/Territories to perform competitive basic research in science and engineering that is relevant to the DoD mission and reflect national security priorities. As defined in the DoD Financial Management Regulation:

Basic research is systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. It includes all scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields of the physical, engineering, environmental, and life sciences related to long-term national security needs. It is farsighted high payoff research that provides the basis for technological progress (DoD 7000.14-R, vol. 2B, chap. 5, para. 1.5.1)

The DoD’s basic research program invests broadly in many scientific fields to ensure that it has early cognizance of new scientific knowledge.

To address the program’s aim, DEPSCoR will focus on capacity building through human and technical resources by soliciting applications in a DEPSCoR – Research Collaboration (RC) competition. DEPSCoR – RC seeks proposals that advance knowledge in basic science involving bold and ambitious research that may lead to extraordinary outcomes such as disrupting accepted theories and perspectives.

Authority for a grant award under this announcement is established in 10 U.S.C. 4001 for basic research. Authority for DEPSCoR specifically was established in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, and has subsequently been amended and reauthorized over the years since (see specifically 10 U.S.C. 4010 referring to DEPSCoR in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023).

COLLABORATION COMPOSITION

This funding opportunity aims to create basic research collaborations between a pair of researchers, namely 1) Applicant/Principal Investigator (PI), henceforth referred to as Applicant, a full-time faculty member who has never served as a PI on a prior DoD directly funded research Prime award and 2) Collaborator/co-Principal Investigator (co-PI), henceforth referred to as Collaborator, an investigator who will provide mentorship to the Applicant and has served as a PI on a DoD directly funded research Prime award actively between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2023. This structure is aimed at introducing potential applicants to the DoD’s unique research challenges and its supportive research ecosystem. Only one Applicant/Principal Investigator and one Collaborator/co-PI are allowed per application.

Applicants must be aware of the following eligibility criteria:

· You are eligible to apply as the Applicant under the DEPSCoR-RC FOA as long as you were NOT listed as the Principal Investigator on a previous DoD funded research award, and are a full-time faculty member in a tenured or tenure track position in a DEPSCoR eligible State/Territory. Being a “Co-PI” or “sub PI” on a prior DoD funded award does not count as being a “PI” for the purposes of eligibility of the Applicant for the DEPSCoR-RC FOA.

· The DEPSCoR-RC White Paper package must include prior research award documentation which indicates that the Collaborator was a PI on a previous DoD directly funded research Prime award between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2023. If the Collaborator is not identified as the PI within the award document, a letter from the awarding agency point of contact should be furnished supporting the assertion within the timeframe identified.

· The Collaborator must have served as a Principal Investigator on a directly funded DoD research Prime award during the eligibility period and not have been subcontracted by: other PIs, non-DoD entities, or companies as a Co-Principal Investigator. Subawards indirectly funded by the DoD where the Collaborator has served as a Co-Principal Investigator do not count as eligible criteria for the Collaborator for the purposes of this funding opportunity announcement.

· The flow charts below serve as a guide for determining Applicant and Collaborator eligibility. Each diamond shape is an eligibility criterion question which elicits either a “yes” or “no” response. You are not eligible to submit a White Paper or Full Proposal if any “yes” or “no” response leads to the “Not eligible” outcome. Submissions found to be “Not eligible” will not be subject to technical review. You are not eligible to submit a White Paper or Full Proposal if you do not meet this requirement.

FY23 DEPSCoR Applicant Eligibility No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes

ELIGIBLE

Is the Applicant faculty at an IHE* in a DEPSCoR state?

Does the Applicant’s choice for Collaborator meet all DEPSCoR eligibility requirements?

Has the Applicant served as a Principal Investigator on a prior DoD directly funded research Prime award?

Is the Applicant in a tenured or tenure-track position?

Is there a qualifying letter from IHE* stating the Applicant will be considered for a tenured or tenure-track position?

NOT ELIGIBLE

No Yes Start

Yes FY23 DEPSCoR Collaborator Eligibility No

ELIGIBLE

Is the Collaborator faculty at an IHE* in a DEPSCoR state?

Is award period of performance between 1Oct2016 and 30Sept2023?

Yes Is the Collaborator listed as PI directly on the award documentation?

Yes Is the Collaborator listed on award documentation as a Co-PI, Sub-PI, Site Lead or designation other than PI?

Is award or Subaward granted directly to another PI or DoD contractor?

No No Can the Collaborator provide a Government POC that can confirm eligibility?

No Yes No Yes No Has the Collaborator been funded on a DoD Prime research award?

Yes Is the Collaborator in a tenured or tenure-track position?

Is there a qualifying Letter from IHE* stating the Collaborator will be considered for a tenured or tenure-track position?

No Yes

NOT ELIGIBLE

No Yes Is award granted directly to the Collaborator from the DoD?

Yes Yes No Start

* Institution of Higher Education (IHE) must be in a DEPSCOR eligible State/Territory and with an advanced degree granting program in science, mathematics, and/or engineering.

The Applicant is permitted to submit only one DEPSCoR-RC White Paper per this DEPSCoR-RC FOA. Each White Paper is permitted a single Applicant and a single Collaborator.

Collaborators are allowed to work with more than one Applicant and thus aren't restricted from participating in more than one White Paper. However, please note it is expected that Collaborators serve as a vital component of the proposed team and commit to providing time for research collaboration and mentorship throughout the entire process.

The website https://discover.dtic.mil/products-services/ is a non-comprehensive repository of government-funded scientific, technical, and engineering information for the DoD. Researchers and Applicants new to DoD are encouraged to visit the site as a starting point for identifying past and present DoD-funded researchers.

The Basic Research Office has also established a “Connect and Collaborate” site where prospective Applicants and Collaborators, seeking collaboration in this DEPSCoR opportunity can post their interest. Please see (https://dod-basicresearch.nvision.noblis.org/program/depscor) for more information. Posting your interest is NOT a requirement.

While each member of the collaboration should be in a tenure-track appointment or tenured at an IHE in DEPSCoR-eligible States/Territories, you do not need to be in the same State/Territory. Likewise, the Applicant and Collaborator can have appointments at the same IHE.

Proposals should name the Applicant as the PI and their IHE as the primary institution. Awards will be issued to the IHE where the Applicant resides. It is anticipated but not a requirement that the Collaborator will be funded through a sub-award. The Applicant IHE must receive greater than 50% of the funding. The relationship among participating institutions and their respective roles, as well as the apportionment of funds including sub-awards, if any, shall be described in both the proposal text and the budget. All key personnel proposed must hold appointments at an IHE in a DEPSCoR eligible state. In addition to providing technical expertise to the project, the Collaborator is strongly encouraged to provide guidance and mentorship to the Applicant in the DoD application process.

In this announcement, the term “you/your” refers to the Applicant.

TOPICS

The FY23 DEPSCoR – Research Collaboration competition seeks proposals addressing the topics listed below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the Topic Area Program Officer prior to submitting a White Paper, preferably by email to discuss the current state of the art in his/her area of interest and how your research would advance it. This information will be requested in the IV.C.4 White Paper Package.

Topic 1: Energy, Combustion, and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Program Description: This portfolio addresses energy needs of Air Force aerospace systems for the propulsion and non-propulsive functions of increasingly significant energy requirements. The portfolio emphasizes three foundational elements: (1) Fundamental, (2) Relevant, and (3) Game-Changing, i.e.: starting from establishing fundamental scientific understanding and quantifying rate-controlling processes, focusing on Air Force/Space Force interests and relevant conditions, encouraging multi-disciplinary collaborations, interactions and unconventional and innovative thinking, leading to game-changing concepts and predictive capabilities for the Air Force and Space Force.

Basic Research Objectives: Research topics in this portfolio include all energy aspects relevant to Air Force and Space Force needs, combustion and otherwise, with the following sub-areas:

Fundamental Combustion Understanding in Air Force Relevant Regimes:

Combustion is the primary conversion process to supply energy for propulsion and other functions of aerospace systems such as planes, rockets, hypersonic and UAV systems. In these systems, the fuel combustion process occurs at highly turbulent flow conditions, governed by underlying molecular changes from high-energy states to lower ones, generating usable energy for system functions. The key turbulent combustion attributes are critical in determining operability, performance, size and weight of such systems. The understanding of these key attributes and the quantification of the inherent rate-controlling processes provide the scientific foundation of modeling/simulation capabilities needed for the design of new generations of AF aerospace systems. Based on recent progresses in understanding/modeling key chemical reaction pathways in combusting AF/DOD fuels and in exploring key attributes of turbulent flame structure and dynamics at relevant conditions, the turbulent combustion part of the portfolio currently focuses on exploring, understanding and qualifying the turbulent-chemistry interactions using physical and numerical experiments. This includes but is not limited to:

· Effects of turbulence on rate-controlling properties/processes of fuel combustion chemistry;

· Turbulent production by the energy release from combustion chemical reactions;

· Spatial/temporal scale interactions of turbulence structures and dynamics;

· Diagnostics for measuring key properties/processes in turbulent combusting flows.

Multi-Physics, Multi-Scale Modeling/Simulation for Energy Conversion:

Energy conversion processes in AF aerospace systems involves coupled multi-physics phenomena such as chemical reactions, turbulence, radiation, flow-material interactions, etc. in a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Computationally efficient modeling/simulation capabilities with sufficiently low uncertainties, coupled with measured data, and assisted by artificial intelligence and machine learning will have game-changing impacts, potentially resulting in new, intelligent development & design tools for future aerospace systems. Such modeling/simulation capabilities may also be used to select and conduct “numerical experiments” to explore underlying physics at conditions where physical experiments are very difficult or impossible. Key focus areas are the physical foundation and numerical approaches for coupling multiple physical phenomena at different spatial and temporal scales, in particular:

· Embedded DNS (eDNS) – embedding “direct numerical simulation” (DNS being capable of resolving turbulence scales, down to the dissipative range, and detailed flame structures) into simulations for larger-scales such as large-eddy-simulations (LES) to provide needed resolutions/details in both small and large scales computationally efficiently;

· Coupling numerical simulations for different physics, e.g. coupling Eulerian fluid computations with Lagrange molecular dynamics calculations to provide information on critical properties needed in the larger-scale fluid calculations;

· Numerical techniques and algorithms for assimilating measured data into numerical simulations, to reduce the simulation uncertainty and to obtain quantitative information which is otherwise not available through experimental measurements alone.

Game-Changing Thermodynamics Concepts and Innovative Energy Conversion:

Thermodynamics provides insights into energy conversion processes and the foundation to developing potentially game-changing energy-conversion approaches. It also establishes the thermodynamic foundation and framework to analyze the energy requirement and efficiency of propulsion systems and non-propulsive subsystem functions of increasingly significant energy needs. The following topics are of particular interest:

· Learning-based, intelligent thermodynamics framework for analyzing multi-scale, non-equilibrium physical and chemical processes, potentially leading to unconventional, game-changing energy conversion processes that potentially offer significantly higher than normal efficiency and other favorable attributes;

· Thermodynamics foundation and energy optimization for information processing systems.

· Novel, highly efficient approaches to electric propulsion.

· Other non-thermal, reduced-thermal and hybrid energy conversion processes, possibly of non-equilibrium nature, for future propulsion and subsystems, with particular interest in UAVs and robotic platforms;

· Combustion at extremely short time-scales, such as detonation-based processes (e.g. as potential game-changing propulsion approaches) and meld exothermic processes (e.g. biologically inspired energy conversion processes for UAV and robotic applications)

· Multi-functional fuels: (1) endothermic fuels and systems and (2) aviation fuels from new sources with economic and security advantages and related conversion processes;

· Unconventional formation mechanisms of large and complex carbon-based molecules, compounds and clusters at combustion, thermal or other interesting conditions, relevant to Air Force and Space Force propulsion, energy and other interests.

TOPIC 1 POC: DR. CHIPING LI, AFOSR

Email: energy@us.af.mil

(703) 696-8574

Topic 2: Agile Science of Test and Evaluation

Program Description: The Agile Science for Test and Evaluation (T&E) program supports basic research inventing and innovating revolutionary capabilities responsive to the Air Force and Space Force T&E community. Crossing scientific frontiers necessitates enhancing and pioneering test and measurement capabilities. The program sponsors basic research in areas enabling metrology and facilitating correct and comprehensive interpretation of test information. Agile science of test and evaluation leads to improving the ability to analyze and model operational environments, pursue science discoveries, and accelerate research & acquisition. The AFOSR T&E program encompasses three broadly-defined, overlapping thrust areas: Autonomy, Hypersonics, and Cyber & Microelectronics. The Program is closely aligned with other AFOSR science areas advancing experimental methodologies and merging scientific disciplines.

Basic Research Objectives: The AFOSR T&E program is closely engaged with technical experts at the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) organizations including Arnold, Edwards, Eglin and Holloman Air Force Bases, who help guide the program on basic research objectives. Basic research in areas that advance the science of testing is broadly defined and spans mathematics as well as most disciplines in engineering and the physical sciences. Areas include, but are not limited to:

· Novel measurement techniques, materials, and instruments that enable accurate, rapid, and reliable test data collection of physical, chemical, mechanical, and flow parameters in extreme environments, such as those encountered during transonic flight, hypersonic flight, and the terminal portion of weapons engagement;

· Accurate, fast, robust, integrals models reducing requirements to test or help provide greater understanding of test results;

· Advanced algorithms and computational evaluation techniques that are applicable to new generations of computers, including massively parallel, quantum, and neuromorphic machines;

· Advanced algorithms and test techniques that allow rapid and accurate assessment of devices and software to cyber vulnerability;

· New processes and devices that increase bandwidth utilization and allow rapid, secure transfer of test data to control facilities during test;

· Advanced mathematical techniques that improve design of experiment or facilitate confident comparison of similar but disparate tests;

· Advanced models of test equipment and processes that improve test reliability and efficiency;

· New or advanced science that enable revolutionary test and measurement;

· Basic research in other T&E areas that advances the science of test and contributes to the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities for the AF T&E community.

TOPIC 2 POC: DR. BRETT POKINES, AFOSR

Email: tande@us.af.mil

(703) 588-1772

Topic 3: Molecular Dynamics and Theoretical Chemistry

Molecular Dynamics

Program Description: This program seeks a molecular-level description of reaction mechanisms and energy transfer processes related to the efficient storage and utilization of energy. The program supports cutting-edge experimental and joint theory-experiment studies that address key, fundamental questions in these areas.

There are four major focus areas in the program:

· Catalytic Reactivity and Mechanisms

· Novel Energetic Material Concepts

· Dynamics of Energy Transfer and Transport

· Chemistry in Extreme Environments

Basic Research Objectives: The molecular dynamics program seeks to understand, predict, and control the reactivity and flow of energy in molecules in many areas of interest to the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Thus, the program encourages novel and fundamental studies aimed at developing basic understanding and predictive capabilities for chemical reactivity, bonding, and energy transfer processes. Some of the program’s current interests focus on molecular clusters and nanoscale systems in catalysis, and as building blocks for creating novel materials. Understanding the catalytic mechanisms needed to produce storable fuels from sustainable inputs and to improve propulsion processes are also topics of interest, as are novel properties and dynamics of ionic liquids. Work in this program addresses areas in which control of chemical reactivity and energy flow at a detailed molecular level is of importance. These areas include hyper-thermal and ion- chemistry in the upper atmosphere and space environment, plasma-surface interactions, the identification of novel energetic materials for propulsion systems, and the discovery of new high-energy laser systems. The coupling of chemistry and fluid dynamics in high-speed reactive flows, and in particular, dynamics at gas-surface interfaces, is also of interest. The program is also interested in utilizing plasmonics, and laser excitation to control reactivity.

Theoretical Chemistry

Program Description: The theoretical chemistry program supports research to develop new methods that can be utilized as predictive tools for designing new materials and improving processes important to the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. These new methods can be applied to areas such as the structure and stability of molecular systems that can be used as advanced propellants; molecular reaction dynamics; and the structure and properties of nanostructures and interfaces. We seek new theoretical and computational tools to identify novel energetic molecules or catalysts for their formation, investigate the interactions that control or limit the stability of these systems, and help guide synthesis by identifying the most promising synthetic reaction pathways and predicting the effects of condensed media on synthesis.

Basic Research Objectives: The program seeks new methods in quantum chemistry to improve electronic structure calculations to efficiently treat increasing larger systems with chemical accuracy. These calculations will be used, for example, to guide the development of new catalysts and materials of interest. New approaches to treating solvation and condensed phase effects will also be considered. New methods are sought to model reactivity and energy transfer in molecular systems. Particular interests in reaction dynamics include developing methods to seamlessly link electronic structure calculations with reaction dynamics, understanding the mechanism of catalytic processes and proton-coupled electron transfer related to storage and utilization of energy, and using theory to describe and predict the details of ion-molecule reactions and electron- ion dissociative recombination processes relevant to ionospheric and space effects on U.S. Air Force and Space Force systems. Interest in molecular clusters, nanostructures and materials includes work on catalysis and surface-enhanced processes mediated by plasmon resonances. This program also encourages the development of new methods to simulate and predict reaction dynamics that span multiple time and length scales.

TOPIC 3 POC: DR. MICHAEL R. BERMAN, AFOSR

E-mail: mdtc@us.af.mil

(703) 696-7781

Topic 4: Electromagnetics

Program Description: This portfolio supports basic research (modeling/simulation) in linear/nonlinear Electromagnetics together with research in the general area of signal processing.

Basic Research Objectives: Basic research to produce conceptual descriptions of electromagnetic properties of novel materials/composites (such as photonic band gap media, negative index media, Parity-Time symmetry media, etc.) and the simulation of their uses in various operational settings is encouraged. Also of interest is temporal modulation of physical parameters of various components. Such a dynamically induced non-reciprocity can lead to a new generation of compact and energy efficient isolators, circulators, phase shifters, and other non-reciprocal optical and microwave devices. Basic research in inverse scattering theory in order to promulgate new methods which recognize & track targets or upgrade efforts to pursue Nondestructive Evaluation is encouraged. Efforts to identify suitable wideband waveforms to penetrate foliage, clouds, buildings, the ionosphere, or other dispersive/random/turbulent media as well as to notionally design transmitters to produce/receive such waveforms are also supported. Research which develops the mathematical underpinning for computational electromagnetic simulation codes (both frequency domain and time domain) that are rapid and whose claims of accuracy are accompanied by rigorous error estimates/controls is encouraged. In the area of nonlinear Maxwell’s equations, commonly called nonlinear optics, research pursues descriptions of nonlinear EM phenomena such as the propagation of ultrashort laser pulses through air, clouds, etc. together with any possible exploitation of these pulses is supported. Such mathematical descriptions are anticipated to be a coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations. Basic research in other nonlinear EM phenomena include the dynamics of the EM field within solid state laser cavities (particularly the modeling/simulation of non-equilibrium carrier dynamics within semiconductor lasers) and fiber lasers, the propagation of light through various nonlinear crystals (including Graphene), as well as other nonlinear optical media. As regards the signal processing component, an outstanding need in the treatment of signals is to develop resilient algorithms for data representation in fewer bits (compression), image reconstruction/enhancement, and spectral/frequency estimation in the presence of external corrupting factors. These factors can involve deliberate interference, noise, ground clutter, and multi-path effects. This component searches for application of sophisticated mathematical methods, including time-frequency analysis, coherent interferometry, cross-correlation methods, and generalizations of various (e.g. Fourier and wavelet) transforms, that deal effectively with the degradation of signaling transmission across a channel. These methods hold promise in the detection and recognition of characteristic transient features, the synthesis of hard-to-intercept communications links, and the achievement of faithful compression and fast reconstruction for video and multi-spectral data. New combinations of asset/sensor location and navigation are being sought, based on analysis and high-performance computation that bring a force multiplier effect to command/control capabilities. Continued upgrade and reliance on Global Positioning System makes it critical to achieve GPS-quality positioning in situations where GPS by itself is not sufficient. Ongoing research in novel navigation methods will bring location precision and reliability to a superlative level.

TOPIC 4 POC: DR. ARJE NACHMAN, AFOSR

Email: electromagnetics@us.af.mil

(703) 696-8427

Topic 5: Modern Optics

Program Description: The objective of this program is to promote a deeper understanding of the properties of light and the discovery of new optical effects that can improve Army capabilities. Most sensing and communications systems depend on light in some way. This program seeks transformational basic science discoveries in optical physics that are needed to enable dynamic control of light for remote sensing, information routing, and energy transmission. In order to accomplish this goal, the Modern Optics Program targets new or emerging phenomena related to quantum optics, light-matter interactions, structured light and ultra-short pulse lasers.

Quantum Photonics. This thrust seeks to push beyond the state of the art in photonics and integrated optical platforms, seeking novel functionality beyond classical limits on sensitivity, accuracy, and stability. Research efforts may include studies addressing complexity and loss in integrated optical systems, scalable realizations of multi-photon quantum states or quantum light sources, and novel laser platforms to probe or manipulate quantum information in physical qubits. Basic science understanding is needed to push integrated photonics into the quantum regime which will be essential for next generation quantum technology.

Meta-Optics. This thrust looks for novel functionality enabled by optical metamaterials. In this area, the conventional norms of classical optics will be broken. Examples include resolution beyond the diffraction limit, super-lensing, as well as subwavelength control of optical fields. Proposals related to non-Hermitian optics and the physics of exceptional points, where these concepts are utilized to fabricate photonic structures with novel properties and sensors with precision beyond the state of the art are sought. In general, any phenomena arising from optical metamaterials that would benefit the Soldier and improve Army capabilities will be considered.

Extreme Light. This thrust focuses on extreme light, meaning the examination of optical fields in extreme limits, such as shortest pulse and/or high intensity. General areas of study under this thrust include, THz formation, broadband localized radiation, coherent control of atomic and molecular energy states, plasma effects in materials, and relativistic plasma physics. Theoretical and experimental research efforts are needed to push beyond the state of the art in ultrafast science and to understand how extreme light interacts with matter.

TOPIC 5 POC: DR. JAMES JOSEPH, ARO

Email: james.a.joseph30.civ@army.mil

(919) 549-4213

Topic 6: Neurophysiology of Cognition

Program Description: The Neurophysiology of Cognition program supports high-risk high-reward basic research that will enable discovery of the appropriate molecular, cellular, systems and behavioral-level codes underlying cognition and performance across multiple time scales. An overarching goal of the program is to foster advances in a broad range of experimental, computational and theoretical approaches applied to animal models and humans as well as data. Inquiries are strongly encouraged for projects that include recent methodological advances to assess and augment the nervous system (i.e., electrophysiological, imaging or computational). Basic research opportunities are sought in two primary research thrusts within this program: (i) Multisensory Synthesis and (ii) Neuronal Computation.

Multisensory Synthesis. The Multisensory Synthesis thrust aims to understand how the human brain functions in relation to the interaction of sensory, cognitive and motor processes during its performance of real-world tasks via mapping, quantifying and modeling distributed neural and physiological processes that mediate human decision making, emotion and rapid adaptation to change. Research in this thrust can broadly address research in areas such as developing types of brain feature extraction that explain significantly more human behavioral variance than previously possible; predicting and measuring moment-to-moment human cognitive and emotional performance in complex environments; developing interfaces and methods that enable greater levels of bi-directional human-machine interface; defining the multiscale mechanisms underlying cognitive fatigue; or deploying computational tools concurrently with neurostimulation to understand, learn, and manipulate human cognitive performance and avoid cognitive failures.

Neuronal Computation. The Neuronal Computation thrust is focused on broadening understanding of the mechanisms employed by neuronal circuits to generate desirable computations, incorporate learning and facilitate evolutionary change. Research in this thrust can broadly address research in areas such as studying aspects of multiscale information processing dynamics mediating computations between neurons, glial cells and blood vessels as well as identifying how these circuits generate desirable computations over multiple timescales; discovering mechanisms for bidirectional control within the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the impacts of environmental and physiological stressors on gut-brain circuits and cognitive performance; or exploring the interplay of small- scale multiphase flows with biochemical and neurophysiological processes to characterize regulatory mechanisms underlying brain glymphatic clearance and integration with sleep and circadian rhythms.

TOPIC 6 POC: DR. CHOU HUNG, ARO

Email: chou.p.hung.civ@army.mil

(301) 467-1144

Topic 7: Information Assurance

Program Description: From the Army perspective, Information Assurance must provide authentic, accurate, secure, reliable, timely information to warfighters to achieve information dominance, regardless of threat conditions. Computing and information processes may be carried out over distributed and heterogeneous systems, which may include mobile computing and communications systems, and high-performance information process systems that are inter-connected through both tactical and strategic communication systems.

Robust and Trusted Wireless Communication. Research is needed in the areas of theory, protocols, and techniques that will assure delivery of trustworthy information to support Army missions. Reconfigurable, survivable, and self-healing systems allow a combat unit to dynamically establish and maintain its command and communication capability under diversified and extreme battlefield situations. The Army requires a fully mobile, fully communicating, agile, and situation-aware force that operates in a highly dynamic, network centric environment. This force consists of a heterogeneous mixture of individual soldiers, ground vehicles, airborne platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, and unattended sensor networks such as battlefield internet of things (IoT) that operate in a complex wireless environment. Information theory has played a foundational role in the study of security. Across a wide range of application domains and security objectives, information theory leads to insight to the underlying tradeoffs between security and performance. The Army seeks novel ideas in fundamental research areas such as information-theoretic security, and the science of security that will provide direct guidance in the design of secure tactical wireless systems. Topics of interest include new paradigms for physical layer security (ranging from confidentiality to authentication to trustworthiness in physical layer communications), the fundamental bounds in trust management and data integrity in distributed systems, the exploitation of trust establishment and key/credential distribution protocols, and assured information delivery and dissemination in mobile environments. The corresponding constructions that would arise from such an investigation represents a significant avenue for improving future wireless communication as well as the corresponding secrecy capacity limits that could serve as valuable guidelines in developing future systems with confidential and authenticated communications. New computing and communication protocols and techniques are needed to assure critical information processing and delivery even when such systems are under severe resource constraints or under persistent attacks.

Models and Metrics for Next Generation Robust Systems. The field of information assurance needs a foundational science to guide the design of systems and to quantitatively measure safety and the level of assurance of complex systems that the Soldier depends upon today. Assurance principles and metrics are needed to help define, develop, and evaluate future robust and resilient systems and network architectures that would survive sophisticated attacks and intrusions with measurable confidence. The program seeks the capability to measure a complex system and to provide trustworthiness and robustness guarantee of that system. In addition, human users need to be in the loop for system assurance analysis. Developing human centric security-usability metrics, computational models for usable security in stressful situations, and adaptive security protocols according to perceived threats are some of the research areas of interest for improving warfighter performance while maintaining sufficient security requirements. One new challenging area of research that offers great promise in stronger system robustness is the modeling of adversaries and defender interactions, since ultimately systems need to defend effectively against their attacks. A deeper understanding and more accurate modeling of adversarial behaviors will improve future system development. New concepts such as anti-fragility theory for better resiliency are also of interests.

Cyber Deception. Cyber deception is a proactive technique to manipulate the cognitive state and decision process of the adversary so that we can degrade and mitigate their attack effectiveness. Unique aspects of cyber deception may offer more opportunities but add more complexity to model and analyze: 1) Cyber artifacts (both genuine and fake) can be created easily and are not bounded by the laws of physical space. The velocity of cyber situation change could be very high; 2) while deceptions are normally played out between a defender and an attacker, users could be directly or indirectly entangled in the game due to the nature of shared infrastructure. Usability issues or negative impact to the mission need to be considered; 3) Social and cultural aspects are important elements in the cyber deception game. Key scientific understanding is still lacking in 1) Establishing effective human cognitive models for understanding and tracking the adversaries’ intent, capability, and decision process, and 2) deception information formulation and communication techniques, which requires new thinking to provide a quantifiable measure on how a given deception approach will mislead adversarial decision process. Recent honeypots/decoy experiences gave initial insights on how to engage adversaries through fake cyber artifacts, but a clear understanding of the dynamics (especially mental interactions) between attackers and defenders is missing. A better learned adversarial model will be critical to the success of cyber deception. In addition, advanced honeypot like schemes are desired to engage adversaries in order to gain understanding of adversaries so that effective deception schemes can be crafted.

Principles of Moving Target Defense. Current cyber defenses are often static and governed by lengthy processes, while adversaries can plan their attacks carefully over time and launch the attacks at cyber speeds at times of their choosing. The program seeks a new class of defensive strategies to present adversaries with a moving target where the attack surface of a system keeps changing. Although such an idea of a “moving target” is a powerful paradigm for building systems robust to security threats, many fundamental aspects associated with such a strategy need to be further investigated and understood. For example, such a “moving target” system may operate under many different contexts, ranging from the use of frequency hopping in spread spectrum to software diversification. It is critical to establish new theories and models that can provide trade-off analysis between system robustness against attacks vs. performance/usability, and quantify the risks associated with system adaptation under an adversarial setting. Ultimately the understandings and analytical models obtained will establish an important foundation for creating robust tactical systems capable of maximizing the difficulties for the adversaries to attack while minimizing the impact to system performance and usability.

Trusted Learning for Cyber Autonomy. Future Army autonomous systems, especially cyber-physical systems working side-by-side with Soldiers, are subject to various adversarial attacks during operations such as data poisoning or fault injection. While current testing and verification techniques help assure system integrity prior to deployment, few of them can help mitigate runtime risk or achieve automatic recovery after a compromise, nor can these systems adapt due to varying operational environments or adversarial conditions, which is inevitable for any cyber autonomous system. It is critical to establish fundamental principles that can allow future systems to perform trusted learning, introspection and self-updating at mission time in order to adapt to changing operational environments and to defend against attacks that may lead to mission failures. New research is sought in driving both the correctness and robustness in cyber domain learning, decision making and adaptation so that these autonomous defense systems can maintain critical mission assurance.