Navy Looks To Nanotechnology For Undersea Network Centric Systems

Since 07-12-04

From  NSL UPDATE 06-03-04

By Fred Donovan

The U.S. Navy sees nanotechnology as a way to bring network centricity to undersea warfare. Nanotechnology involves the development and use of devices that have a size of only a few nanometers - one billionth of a meter.

 "Nanotechnology and nano-products, such as molecular-sized sensors that are easily deployed by submarines and other naval vessels, will be the technological enablers of future network centric undersea warfare," said Lt. Pauline Pimentel (USN), a Navy spokeswoman.

 She told NetDefense that "nano-sensor fields" would be able to detect enemy platforms, communicate with each other and report to communication nodes that would form a network over large areas of the ocean. Submarines would be able to deploy and monitor these sensors. "Almost all naval vessels will be able to capitalize on nanotechnology products in the future," she added.

The Navy is working to introduce nanotechnology on submarines because of the weight and space constraints unique to these undersea vessels. Nanotechnology is in a "long, basic research stage" with a five- to 10-year timeline for introduction into submarines, Pimentel said. "There are a number of MEMS [micro-electronic mechanical systems] devices used to improve submarine functions today in the form of sensors, electro-optics, and communications, but not any nanotechnology products yet," she said.

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., and the University of Texas at Austin have teamed to foster research and development of nanotechnology for naval uses. The NUWC and the university's Center for Nano and Molecular Science and Technology will help "foster educational and research opportunities for graduate students," she explained.

Under an agreement the two centers signed last year, NUWC scientists and engineers will participate in curriculum development and provide research topics and guidance to graduate students. NUWC also will lend equipment and provide other assistance to the university.

Adm. John D. Butler (USN), NUWC commander, said that "the Navy's needs and challenges are specialized but not entirely unique. Advances in nanotechnology will someday affect all parts of our daily lives.

This education partnership will support graduate student research and development and contributions to a new world made realizable by these advances." The partnership resulted in a month-long class on nanotechnology for NUWC personnel that began May 10.

The course, "Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 2004," is divided into eight 90-minute sessions that end in a three-day wrap-up conference at Newport.