[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARMARK DECLARATION

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                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership 
standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information 
regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of 
Defense Appropriations Act, 2010.
  Project Name: Aerospace Laser Micro Engineering Station
  Amount: $1,000,000
  Requested By: Robert J. Wittman (VA-01)
  Account: Research and Development, Air Force (RDTE, AF)
  Intended Recipient of Funds: Jefferson Laboratory, 12000 Jefferson 
Ave. Newport News, VA 23606
  Project description and explanation of the request: In September, 
2001, the JLAB, with the Aerospace Corporation, initiated a joint 
project with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to expand the FEL 
capabilities to provide a microfabrication processing tool to produce 
miniature satellite components. Microfabrication of ceramics and glass 
is a high-potential JLab FEL application. The ability to create 
intricate microstructures in or on glass materials is considered a 
necessary value-added component in the development of advanced 
photonics and certain microinstruments. Microstructure patterns can be 
used to guide light, serve as frequency selectors, control fluidic flow 
or enable the extraction of specific cells to capture genetic material. 
The Aerospace Corporation is exploring the potential of 
microfabricating a class of glass materials called photocerams using 
ultraviolet laser processing. This technology promises a more precise, 
less expensive way of creating intricate glass microstructures with the 
goal of fabricating picosatellites weighing less than 1 kilogram for 
the Air Force. The JLab FEL ultraviolet capabilities will allow for the 
mass production-rate throughput necessary for industry. Because of the 
compelling need for the Air Force to develop new materials and metal 
alloys for aerospace applications, the Thomas Jefferson National 
Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is requesting $3 million from the 
FY10 DOD Appropriations for the final commission and demonstration of 
the required accuracy and reproducibility for satellite production of 
the Aerospace Laser Micro Engineering Station (LMES). The LMES will 
make mass-producible satellites possible using 10 hours with the JLab 
UV FEL as compared to 270 hours using a conventional UV laser, making 
it possible to address new and unique missions not accessible using 
conventional satellite technology. I certify that neither I nor my 
spouse has any financial interest in this project.

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