The USSOCOM is soliciting a thermal solution for combat identification (CID), which can be distributed to partner forces at low cost. Third Floor Materials (3FM) is proposing an innovative solution based on an emerging class of materials, epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials. The proposed approach will leverage the companys experience with these materials and proposes a solution with unique emissive properties, suitable for USSOCOMs requirements. The proposed device concept will yield tunable emission profiles across the MWIR and LWIR bands, favorable SWaP requirements and can be fabricated at highly competitive rates.In parallel, the company will conduct a thorough review of the state-of-the-art in thermal emission technology, combined with testing of off-the-shelf components to benchmark cost, emissive properties, SWaP requirements and compatibility with partner forces. The results will be compared with the innovative ENZ based solution. As a final deliverable, Third Floor Materials will present a thorough report detailing all thermal emitter options available to USSOCOM that meet its specification for a partner force CID beacon.Infrared,ENZ,CID beacon,thermal emission,IFF
