Summary
CLOAK is part of a larger DARPA portfolio called Highly Accelerated Learning of Vibratory Systems (HALOVS).
HALOVS is developing, modeling, prototyping, and demonstrating technologies to overcome the existing performance limitations of vibratory sensors for improved positioning and navigation. The HALOVS portfolio consists of disruptive investigations aiming to rekindle and invigorate the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor design space beyond standard industry operations. Other programs in the portfolio aim to push MEMS and sensors to their ultimate performance – which now needs to last throughout the sensor’s lifetime.
CLOAK aims to develop methods to extend the lifetime of inertial sensors by covering or eliminating sensor surface and structural defects that can get worse with time. Possible approaches include atomic layer deposition of materials such as, but not limited to, self assembled monolayers (SAM). The program is also not limited to coatings on sensing elements but can also include a vacuum- or inert gas-encapsulated structure on the inner or uter walls of the package.