Research and Exploratory Development Mission Area
Physics, Electronic Materials, and Devices
Focus Areas
Electronics, Photonics, Sensors, and Imaging Manipulating and leveraging the electromagnetic spectrum to enable unique capabilities in communications and sensing
We design, model, and fabricate novel electromagnetic, phase change, and quantum materials and devices used for next-generation communications and sensing applications. We combine fundamental physics with advanced material synthesis and micro- and nanofabrication techniques to develop revolutionary solutions with improved cost, size, weight, and power characteristics for radio frequency/micro/millimeter-wave electronics, antennas, radar systems, electro-optical/infrared sensors, optical communications, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.
Signature and Survivability Developing advanced materials, devices, and modeling techniques
We leverage our advanced materials and device solutions with modeling and simulation tools to better predict, characterize, and optimize signatures for sponsor-defined applications. We also create novel material coatings and electromagnetic structures to counter directed energy weapons and for protection against electronic warfare systems.
Power and Energy Harvesting and storing energy for advanced expeditionary and resilient power solutions
We apply our materials, chemistry, and device fabrication expertise to synthesize and formulate novel battery electrodes and electrolytes and develop safe and robust energy storage devices for harsh environments. We employ our unique thin-film thermoelectric material and device capabilities to provide innovative solutions and enable game-changing advances in thermal management and thermal energy harvesting. We also develop and characterize new fuel-cell catalysts and advanced additive manufacturing techniques for power electronics.
Devices and Integrated Systems Designing and prototyping unique hardware solutions for critical warfighter and military systems challenges
We pursue innovations in custom design, fabrication, and integration to realize innovative devices and systems with unprecedented form factors and performance benefits. We develop new fabrication processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fuzes, printed wiring circuits, and textile systems. We design and build portable power solutions that utilize field-available energy sources, such as the Operational Lightweight Intelligent Thermo Electric (OLITE) power source. We integrate flexible batteries with electronics and sensors to enable low-profile wearable systems for health and human performance.
Featured Work
Advancing Materials for Thermal Management
Advanced Thermoelectric Materials for Next-Gen Refrigeration
Developing Battery- and Solar-Powered Fibers
Revolutionizing Materials Discovery for National Security
Watch
Nano-engineered Thermoelectrics Enable Scalable, Compressor-Free Cooling →
Researchers at APL, in collaboration with Samsung Research, have unveiled a breakthrough in solid-state cooling technology, doubling the efficiency of today’s commercial systems. Driven by the Lab’s patented nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials and devices, this innovation paves the way for compact, reliable, and scalable cooling solutions that could potentially replace traditional compressors across a range of industries.
Fiber Power →
APL researchers have established new, scalable methods of developing battery- and solar-powered fibers, making it theoretically possible to harvest and store electrical energy right from the clothing people wear.