Low Size, Weight, and Power, High Gain 2D Material-Based Detectors for Mass Spectrometers

This project will develop low power, high intrinsic amplification 2D material ion detectors shown in Phase I to work as low mass, low volume detectors for mass spectrometry from the feasibility stage to working examples. Guardions proposed solution is to eliminate the need of high voltage electron multipliers utilizing patented 2D material-based ion detectors that provide intrinsic charge to current amplification values ranging between 1E6-1E9 A/C, and only require an operating bias of 0.1V. It further distinguishes between positive and negative ions, and works from atmospheric pressure through ultra high vacuum. Unlike conventional methods of detection used in mass spectrometry, our sensors will exploit a low-bias intrinsic quantum gain mechanism in nanomaterials to amplify the signal from trace amounts of ions. This eliminates the need for external amplification, eliminates high voltage requirements, and significantly reduces power consumption. We have shown that replacing sensors in a commercial residual gas analyzer with these detectors can sense trace gasses. We propose to modify two existing mass filter systems, one residual gas analyzer and one ion trap mass spectrometer with our detector assembly and demonstrate comparable performance to state of the art detectors while using 10,000x less voltage. We will then demonstrate sensor response to mass range, sampling rate, charge state, and ion energy. Finally, we will generate a demonstration and report assessing the sensor performance, benefits, and limitations with suggestions on what types of mass spec and missions would be benefitted for sensor adoption. Mass spectrometers are ubiquitously used in planetary exploration where payload, high-voltage operations, and power consumption are constant challenges.  These critical tools require high voltage detectors, called electron multipliers, which require 1000's of volts and vacuum conditions to operate. The detectors can be single point failures,  add to the SWaP of these instruments by requiring high voltage supplies and required potting, require tuning over time, and can fail rapidly if a pristine vacuum environment is lost.  Guardion proposes a unique innovation to (a) lower the size, weight, and power of mass spectrometers and (b) eliminate failure modes and pumping requirements associated with high voltage electron multipliers. We will accomplish this by developing ultrasensitive low-voltage and low-power consuming ion detectors that can operate under ambient pressure conditions. Reducing SWaP and eliminating high voltage will enable mission concepts to become more ambitious by improving analytical capability and durability.   The goal of the Phase II effort is to address NASA's stated needs for advancing in situ measurement technologies, e.g. mass spectrometers such as the QITMS. These instruments are considered "essential bases to achieve SMD Planetary Science Goals and for New Frontiers and Discovery Missions". Topic Level Objectives: Reduce the mass and volume of the instrument by eliminating high voltage electron multipliers, the required high voltage supplies, copper windings, ferromagnetic cores, and the required potting. Enable mission concepts to become more ambitious by providing redundancy, eliminating high voltage failure modes, and uniquely providing amplification at elevated pressures. Maintain or improve scientific capability while achieving SWaP reduction. Phase II Deliverables: A functioning engineering prototype and demonstration in a COTS Mass Spec and a COTS RGA. Required contract deliverables such as progress reports, interim reports, and final reports. A report on validation of the Guardion detector documenting details of the development, capabilities, and measurements and projections on the total SWaP reduction modeled in existing and planned NASA Mass Spec Instrumentation. A plan for TRL maturation, including identifying key NASA stakeholders and funding mechanisms to continue towards Phase III, including SMD instrument development programs such as PICASSO, MatISSE, and DALI.  

This innovation will directly impact NASA planetary, lunar, and terrestrial missions that rely on mass spectrometry. Successful development of this technology will eliminate the high voltage requirements, eliminate potting, and provide an amplification mechanism that works at a wider range of pressures. By lowering the SWaP of mass spectrometers and potentially reducing the requirements on pumping systems, NASA will be able to pursue more ambitious mission concepts, improve analytical capability, and instrument durability. Mass spectrometry is a critical analytical tool in a diverse set of industries - from drug discovery, forensic toxicology, clinical research, and homeland security. These new sensors will enable the next generation of mass spectrometers to be more portable, efficient, and resilient, opening up new market opportunities and allowing more access to mass spec systems in the lab and in the field.  

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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