SBIR / STTR #DAF26BZ02-DV012

USAF SBIR Solicitation: Bulk Growth of InAsP Crystal Wafers for Infrared Detectors

The U.S. Air Force is seeking small business proposals for research and development on the bulk growth of Indium Arsenide Phosphide (InAsP) crystal wafers for advanced infrared detector applications. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Air Force (USAF), Air Force SBIR/STTR Program - Key contacts: Mr. Daniel J. Brewer (Contracting Officer), Guha Shekhar - Products/Services Requested: - Research and development services for bulk growth of high optical quality, compositionally uniform InAsP ternary semiconductor alloy wafers - Target wafer size: 20–25 mm cross section, >1 mm thick - Wafers must be crack- and twin-free, with high yield, minimal defects, and precise band gap energy - Address challenges of alloy segregation and compositional uniformity - No specific part numbers or OEMs are named; the opportunity is open to eligible small businesses with demonstrated prior feasibility in bulk ternary alloy crystal growth - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR solicitation (no Phase I awards) - Applicants must demonstrate prior technical feasibility (Phase I-equivalent) - ITAR/export control compliance required; U.S.-based R&D only - Electronic proposal submission via Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) - Goal to establish a domestic supply source for InAsP wafers - Additional Related Topics in the Broader Solicitation: - Rapid evaluation tools for musculoskeletal impairment - High purity ceramic powder production (500 kg, >99.9% purity) - Three-axis stabilized IRST payload for small UAS - Modernization of flash x-ray environments - Mobile L-Band linear accelerator development - Period of Performance: - Up to 24 months for Phase II awards, with potential for Phase III commercialization - Place(s) of Performance: - United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) - 354th Medical Group - White Sands Missile Range (Alamogordo, NM) - Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)

Description

This solicitation is part of the SBIR/STTR program focusing on the bulk growth of InAsP crystal. It is a pre-release topic managed by the United States Air Force (USAF) under the Department of Defense SBIR 2026 program. The solicitation includes instructions and preface details for prospective bidders. The proposal submission must be made electronically through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP).

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