Non-Contact Micron Dust Temperature Measurement

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

Novel use of CdTe quantum dots is one candidate technology. UV light causes temperature dependent visible emission spectrum. Candidate materials to be evaluated and test design done. Test results characterize performance and inform material selection. Report results and conceptualize subsequent non-contact dust temperature measurement. Results enable critical, currently impossible measurement of ice accretion rates onto individual dust grains in the laboratory.

Benefits

This project will develop the technology to measure the temperature of individual, levitated micron-sized grains of dust in vacuum at 20 °K - 273°K without physical contact. This has never been done. This will enable measurement of ice accretion onto dust versus grain size and temperature to advance knowledge of solar system formation and inform future NASA experimental missions.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Cryogenic/Thermal Systems
Program	Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
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.

Dennis L Gallagher — dennis.gallagher@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.