Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the U.S. DARPA need for a novel and integrated microsystems platform that dynam

Description

To address the U.S. DARPA need for a novel and integrated microsystems platform that dynamically senses and controls warfighter physiology to enable extreme military dive operations, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the new Diver Physiology Sense and Control (DIPSEC) platform based on the use of a novel gas mixture and biosensor providing constant physiological feedback, and algorithms for dynamic control of pressure-related physiologic conditions. These DIPSEC innovations will enable safe operation in extreme combat dives. In Phase I, POC will define the gas mixtures suitable for the representative dive profile and explore and develop requirements for the dynamic mixed-gas model and control algorithm. Also, POC will design a breadboard mixed-gas platform for use in simulated dive profiles within a chamber. In addition, POC will develop the military and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory approval plan for the DIPSEC platform. In Phase II, POC will develop, demonstrate, and validate a dynamic model and control algorithm using a small animal model. At the conclusion of Phase II, POC will provide a detailed plan for algorithm optimization, hardware miniaturization and integration into a prototype device, and transition of a man-portable prototype device into operationally relevant environments.