A white paper is an informal description of research the author would like to do if funds can be provided. Hence, a white paper of about 3 pages in length would have the following paragraphs or sections:
1. A Statement of the Problem: this could be a short discourse on the importance of the general research area and current lack of important information needed to solve the existing problem. This need not be more than a brief paragraph.
2. Objective: What is the objective of the proposed research?
3. Approach: How will you reach the above objective? What measurements will be made and/or what calculations will be made? Are there any collaborations involved?
4. Air Force Relevance: Most basic research can be easily identified as to whether it has relevance to the future Air Force. However, if there are potential applications of relevance that are not obvious, it is worth noting this in the white paper.
If the proposed research represents an expansion of currently-funded ongoing research, this can be considered a positive point. However, the proposer should state clearly how the augmentation of the project will be effected. Will AFOSR funds simply permit the hiring of more scientists so that the project can be completed sooner, or more importantly, will the AFOSR funds permit some new approach to be taken that will make the overall research program more valuable?