Laser Analysis for Surface Preparation of Composite Bonded Joints

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Molecular models (quantum calculations and molecular dynamics) to propose likely surface reaction and ablation mechanisms and identify spectral signatures. Deep learning by artificial neural networks to classify surface chemical functionalities from spectroscopy data

Benefits

Improve chemical specificity of laser surface analysis capabilities to enable better process control. Inform molecular-level details of laser/surface interactions to improve data interpretation for analysis

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Structures > Design and Certification Methods
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.

Lauren J Abbott — lauren.j.abbott@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.