Wireless Networked Cryogenic and Minimum Pressure Sensors

This NASA Phase I STTR program would develop high performance, wireless networked cryogenic and minimum pressure sensors for remote monitoring in propulsion systems, using SOI (Silicon on Insulator) NM (nanomembrane) techniques in combination with our pioneering ceramic nanocomposite materials. We will improve the current mechanical and electrical model of semiconductor nanomembrane based sensor performance that will allow quantitative optimization of material properties and suggest optimal methods for sensor attachment and use for 1) cryogenic and 2) purge-box minimum pressure measurement applications. We will perform synthesis of sensor materials with optimized transduction, hysteresis and environmental properties, specifically for cryogenic and minimum pressure, and also varying temperature use. Support wireless electronics will be developed to acquire, multiplex, store and process raw sensor array data.