Rapid Prototyping of Active Microwave Metasurfaces by Inkjet Printing

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

We will add a control device such as a diode and develop an active metasurface enabling tunable absorption property on the fly. The diode will be printed with ptype carbon nanotube ink and n-type zinc oxide ink. Electromagnetic simulations will guide the design to create the patterns needed, and the fabricated metasurfaces will be fully characterized to establish their tunable absorption characteristics.

Benefits

Develop a process to print active microwave metasurfaces including a diode for control on a flexible substrate; demonstrate its tunable microwave absorption properties.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Electronics
Program	Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF (ARC CIF)
Lead organization	Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

M Meyyappan — m.meyyappan@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

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.