Single Wall Nanotube Based Sensor for Particle Sensing in the Space Environment

Foster-Miller proposes to develop a sensor to detect and count thermal and energetic particles in the space environment that can be deployed on micro- and nano-satellites. The novel device will exploit unique electrical properties of single wall carbonnanotubes (SWNTs) as the active sensing elements. Fabrication of this sensor will be performed using standard lithographic and processing techniques developed for preparation of SWNT devices by Foster-Miller and its partners. These assembly routes are instark contrast to fabrication methods used today in research laboratories, where nanotubes/molecules are grown between lithographically fashioned leads or placed there by single molecule manipulation (such as STM or AFM). The use of nanoscale circuitrywill enable development of devices that are much smaller and lighter than those presently available. In this program, the Foster-Miller SWNT assembly technology will be extended to prepare sensors on standard microcircuits in which the active elementswill be SWNT electronics that respond to particle impact. Phase I concept demonstration will include constructing SWNT circuits, demonstrating their response to particle impact and calibrating this response. This will lead to development of a full scaleworking prototype during Phase II and technology transfer to Foster-Miller's satellite manufacturing partner in Phase III. (P-030262) Utilizing single wall nanotube electronics to develop a sensor for detecting energetic particles on micro- and nano-satellite systems will enable the preparation of smaller, lighter and more sensitive particle sensing devices. This allows deployment oflighter satellite systems that will require less expense to launch and operate, and obtain more accurate data. The technology developed during this research will also assist in the development of nanoscale electronics based on SWNTs for a variety ofcommercial electronic systems, such as computer memory systems, helping to enable the continuing revolution of nanoelectronics.