Flash Ablation Metalization of 3D Printed Components

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) offers a research fellowship focused on Flash Ablation Metalization (FAM), a newly invented approach for increasing the conductivity of 3D printed electronics by an order of magnitude or more through exposure to intense white light pulses. The participant will study Flash Ablation Metallization, work on understanding and improving the process, and develop army-useful prototypes using this technology. This opportunity is within the Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD), the Army's principal center for research and development in electromagnetic spectrum exploration and exploitation. SEDD conducts research in laser sources, RF sources, IR sensors, signature detection, target imaging, and electromagnetic protection. The ARL-RAP is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest to the Army. Participants work with ARL scientists and engineers on technologies supporting future Army operational needs in fields including material science, nanotechnology, signal processing, and computational sciences. Selected participants must submit a research proposal to the ARL-RAP review panel outlining their research objectives, methodology, expected completion period, background preparation, and motivation for the research.