Integrated nanophotonic bio/chemical sensor for cryogenic environments

Goal: To integrate our previously demonstrated MPC-based sensor onto an on-chip photodetector for a fully integrated optoelectronic system, and validate this system for operation over a wide temperature range. Capability Need/Knowledge Gap: The objectives are to: design and fabricate on-chip photodetector and photonic waveguides; integrate photodetector with metallic photonic crystal (MPC) sensor using nanofabrication techniques available in the NASA GRC cleanroom facilities; and, test integrated optoelectronic system from 77 K to 400 K, and characterize device sensitivity using existing cryogenic chamber/microspectrometer setup at NASA GRC. State-of-the-Art/Knowledge: Traditional bio/chemical sensing approaches used in planetary exploration (e.g., gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopy) disturb the natural state of the sample, making biorelevant information such as binding dynamics and molecular conformational changes impossible to measure. Key Technical Challenges: Optimizing optical to electrical signal conversion; Achieving lower cryogenic temperature in our test system; and Detecting examples of relevant bio/chemical species (e.g., methane, volatile organic compounds) Approach/Research Plan: (1) Complete design of integrated optoelectronic system; (2) Fabricate and test integrated system at room temperature; (3)Characterize low-temperature integrated optoelectronic performance; and, (4) Demonstrate bulk refractive index sensitivity and targeted chemical detection of integrated system. We will focus on three key areas in the development of a prototype integrated optoelectronic sensor platform: (i) Design (theory/simulation utilizing commercially available software), (ii) Fabrication (micro/nanofabrication: semiconductor processes for photodetector, and electron beam lithography and/or focused ion beam (FIB) milling to define nanoscale features), and (iii) Experiment (optical/electronic and sensitivity characterization over wide temperature range using existing test setup, and sensor characterization and target example gas species detection, e.g., methane/volatile organics). Next Step: To further mature this technology would involve development and integration of a compact light source and complete packaging of all components into a robust and field-deployable package, and finally field testing the complete system.

Our approach, based on a lab-on-chip plasmonic sensor platform strongly aligns with TA 8.3 In-situ Instruments and Sensors, and TA 10.4 Nano Sensors, Electronics and Devices in the 2015 NASA Technology Roadmap. Based on interest in related work under our FY18 CIF, Dr. Penny Boston at the NASA Astrobiology Institute may also be consulted for guidance on specific bio/chemical analytes for future missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.