Phase-Cancelled, Broadband, Graphene-based Impedance Sensor

The CBD is seeking innovative approaches for improving the sensitivity of chemical/biological detection systems. Our proposed solution entails a novel, high-frequency approach utilizing nano-size graphene as the sensing material, which provides an excessively large-surface area and high electrical transport property to suppress the background noise and significantly enhance the signal/noise ratio. Specifically, it entails a phase-cancelled RF/microwave graphene-based impedance chemical gas sensor (pc-GIM-Sensor). The pc-GIM-Sensor dramatically improves the sensitivity over traditional DC-based gas sensors, and is capable of performing in-situ sensing in dynamic environments. The broadband feature and the multiple output parameters of the pc-GIM-Sensor enable multiplexed selective sensing. The team, which includes 4 Ph.Ds. with a combined 80 years of experience, has already developed a method of transferring CVD-grown graphene sheets to an insulating substrate, and a novel device processing method to fabricate the pc-GIM-Sensor array. The micro-fabrication process is easily integrated into standard commercial semiconductor construction processes, which enables seamless on-chip implementation of the pc-GIM-Sensor. The Phase I team includes a commercialization partner, Leucadia Engineering, capable of transitioning this technology to several targeted DoD platforms which they support. The commercialization efforts will be supported by two professionals who have 30 years of experience successfully marketing SBIR-funded technologies.