AFRL SBIR Program Benefits Microfabrication Company

Applications

• Military and Commercial Significance:
• International Mezzo Technologies is developing microfabrication technologies to build cryocooler regenerators. Regenerators are key to cryocooler performance at 40°K and below and are thus critically important in the development of high-efficiency, low-temperature cryocooler systems. Their advanced geometries, which engineers can form using micromolding techniques, have the potential to improve low-temperature cryocooler efficiency two to three times over that of traditional regenerators such as powders and screens. Under SBIR projects, researchers developed processes to form microstructures in both lead and rare-earth materials, such as Erbium compounds and alloys.
• Mezzo Technologies is also part of the research team for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration program to develop and use these manufacturing technologies for fabricating Stirling engine regenerators. In addition to its SBIR projects, Mezzo generated commercial contracts in its micro heat exchanger program and is poised to commercialize its first product. Mezzo’s exceptional work earned the Outstanding Small Business Award from the Louisiana Business Incubation Association, the Rising Star Award from the Baton Rouge Business Report and Baton Rouge Technology Council, and the Outstanding SBIR Company Award from the Louisiana Business and Technology Center. In addition, the state of Louisiana awarded Mezzo a $500,000 program to build a new state-of-the-art facility.