Low Cost Process Technology For Smart Sensor Materials

Low cost, lightweight, multifunctional “smart materials” can now be micro-engineered so as to be inherently Rad-Hard, thereby eliminating the need for secondary, “bolt-on” attachment schemes. Furthermore, the same micro-engineering techniques provide a dual-use capability by also providing a material with excellent stiffness; again without incurring cost or weight penalties. These micro-engineered “smart materials” are also environmentally safe and provide opportunity for rapid change-out in existing space systems. This is an extremely important factor in the current climate of reduced spending and urgency for programs to remain fixed on current parts and suppliers. Cost reductions can allow for the investigation new materials and the ability to increase overall system performance