Opportunity: Cephalopod-Inspired Adaptive Photonic Structures

Opportunity Number:

DEVCOMSC-002

Opportunity Location:

Natick, MA

Opportunity Description:

Biological camouflage and dynamic color change are sophisticated defense mechanisms exemplified by cephalopods such as cuttlefish and squid. Understanding the fundamental structure-property relationship of a dynamically tunable and stimuli-responsive bio-enabled/inspired plasmonic metasurface, one that can reversibly and rapidly modulate optical properties, is of interest. This project will focus on identifying such an artificial optical amplifier to enable precise control and manipulation of light.

Opportunity Skill Set:

Analytial Chemistry, Materials Science, and Bioengineering. Experience in Electrochemistry, spectroscopic methods, wet-lab experience with handling metal nanoparticles and protein samples, proficiency in Python to process spectral data

Opportunity Host Facility

DEVCOM Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC)

Natick, MA and Orlando, FL

DEVCOM Soldier Center (SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) which was established in the 1950s in Natick, Massachusetts. Known locally as ‘Natick Labs’, it is deeply rooted in the area’s innovative academic and industrial Science & Technology (S&T) communities and is the lead organization for the Army’s Soldier Domain Technology. DEVCOM SC focuses on the Soldier and incorporates the latest innovations to maximize the Warfighter’s combat readiness, survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and field quality of life. Soldier Center is “The Science Behind the Soldier” as diverse groups of scientists and engineers provide the Army with innovative Science and Technology solutions to optimize the performance of our Soldiers. DEVCOM SC maintains and enhances core competencies such as Soldier Performance/Integration, Individual/Collective Protection, Material Science Fiber/Textile, Military Nutrition/Food Service Logistics, Aerial Delivery, and Army Training Technology that are relevant and critical to support the Soldier of today and tomorrow. We leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum effects, autonomy, advanced energetics, and synthetic biology to give Soldiers the ability to see, sense, decide, and act faster than their adversaries. Our Simulation and Training Technology Division located in Orlando, FL continues the mission to develop, mature and transition innovative training and simulation technologies to maximize Soldier effectiveness and Warfighter readiness.

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