← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Compact chip-scale nano-NMR sensors to measure D/H ratio in water of outer planets based on atomistic defects in semiconductors will have orders of magnitude improved sensitivity compared to classical NMR instruments. Our sensors will be able to detect D/H ratio in reduced sample size as the magnetic fields generated by small samples are too small for traditional sensors to detect. Microscopic modeling of noise and nuclear dipole fields will estimate spin and charge noise frequency-dependent spectra of the D/H ratio sensor with a given set of parameters including geometry, dimensions, surface termination composition, and temperature. Our computer-assisted design (CAD) software will be used in the optimization of the sensor for D/H ratio measurements of water by identifying configurations/designs and microwave (MW) interrogation protocols where the NMR signals from hydrogen and deuterium can be reliably measured from the underlying base noise and thus maximizing the sensitivity. We will design the optimal sensitivity of the sensor based on tradeoffs for isotopic purity, regularity of thickness of substrate material and defect occurrence. A Phase II plan will be constructed, identifying the issues related to device growth and fabrication, testing, and integration. Plans will be developed to mitigate issues and partners confirmed for the Phase II project.
Compact chip-scale nano-NMR sensors will have smaller size, weight and power consumption compared to traditional NMR-type sensors and could cover the growing need for robust sensors with small footprints. They would thus be very well suited for planetary exploration where the instrument size, power, and complexity restrictions are most severe. The orders of magnitude improved sensitivity compared to classical NMR instruments, would allow D/H ratio detection in very small samples, unpractical with other approaches.
NMR have extensive applications in biotechnology, medicine, materials science and other industries. Examples include characterization of nanoparticles, molecular imaging, detection of biomarkers, quality control of nanomaterials and development of new materials. These will greatly benefit from an NMR-type quantum sensor due to its high sensitivity and spatial resolution down to a single ion.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.