Direct-Write Printing on 3-Dimensional Geometries for Miniaturized Detector and Electronic Assemblies, Year 3

Direct-write printing techniques will enable new detector assemblies that were not previously possible with traditional assembly processes. Three detector concepts, focusing on a 3-dimensional magnetometer bobbin, will be manufactured using this technology to validate repeatability. Direct-write manufacturing has the potential to reduce mass and volume for fabrication and assembly of advanced detector concepts by reducing trace widths down to 10 microns and printing on complex, 3-dimensional geometries. This allows new electronic designs, and also reduces production times for such complex electronics. One specific effort involves a 3D substrate version of the Next Generation of x-Ray Polarimeter (NGxP), Silicon Micro-Well Detector (SiMWD) assembly. The current concept of the NGxP substrate is Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), which is two-dimensional (flat) and is flexed into the required shape. The FY17 goal is to improve this design by printing the trace pattern onto a substrate preformed to the desired shape, instead of a flat LCP.

Development of improved sensors and micron scale circuitry via Direct-Write of electronic traces on 3-dimensional surfaces. Higher density, greater reliability, improved design flexibility.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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