Consumer Applications

• Materials Research Uncovers a New Diamond Substitute

ith BMDO funding, Cree, Inc. (Durham, NC), developed a process for producing large single crystals of silicon carbide, a semiconductor material with attractive properties for electronic devices. While improving this process, Cree’s scientists synthesized clear moissanite, a carbon-based mineral that has physical characteristics closer to diamond than any other known gemstone material. Recognizing that this material could be easily mistaken for diamond, Cree formed a business alliance with C3, Inc., to explore the jewelry market. Cree currently supplies bulk SiC crystals exclusively to C3, now Charles & Colvard, which is marketing moissanite gemstones through jewelry retailers in more than 50 U.S. cities. Charles & Colvard also produces a retail device to differentiate moissanite from real diamond.

• Electromagnetic Research Contributes to Under-Hood Power Generator

Researchers at Aura Systems, Inc. (El Segundo, CA), developed electromagnetic technology that can measure the thrust of propulsion systems for BMDO missile interceptors. Some of this electromagnetic technology is now part of the company’s patented rotary device called AuraGen™. Mounted inside a vehicle’s engine compartment, AuraGen turns an idling engine into a mobile power generator that produces up to 5,000 watts of electricity to run power tools, lights, emergency equipment, or electronic devices, including computers and TVs. With an Aura Systems’ Emergency Power kit, the engine can provide enough electricity during an outage to power a home’s major appliances. AuraGen is now available for over 70 vehicle models and has been installed in thousands of service vehicles operated by utility, media, and food service companies, as well as local, state, and Federal governments. This year, the General Motors Corporation is featuring AuraGen in its 2000 GMC Professional Sierra Show Truck designed for contractors and construction personnel.

• Lithium-Ion Battery Packs More Power for Portable Electronics

At PolyStor Corporation (Dublin, CA), BMDO funded the development of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery whose smaller size, lighter weight, and powerful design make it ideal for use on satellites. Now, the battery is finding new consumer applications here on Earth. Because the battery offers an energy storage capacity 15 to 30 percent greater than competing Li-ion batteries, it allows developers to extend theoperating times of portable electronic devices such as digital cameras, cellular phones, and notebook computers. To scale up for mass production, PolyStor has purchased a fully automated assembly line that can produce 500,000 Li-ion batteries every month. By 2005, the company hopes to produce 100 million cells per year.