← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The goal of Brianís research is to develop a new paradigm for measuring the sputter erosion rate of Hall thrusters in (near) real-time and in situ. To this end, Brian is developing laser sensors based on the ultra-sensitive cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique and is using these sensors to measure sputter products in the plume of the operating thruster. As part of this fellowship Brian will work with Hall thruster researchers at NASA GRC with the overarching goal of transferring the diagnostics capability from his university laboratory to NASA. In comparison to the currently used full life testing approach, the use of the CRDS sensor will have several advantages: thruster erosion can be measured in situ with high sensitivity readily allowing one to study changes in erosion rate with time and with thruster operating conditions; the sensor can be used relatively quickly and inexpensively; the sensor data provides number density and velocity information on the sputtered particles enabling comparisons against numerical models (and model validation).
In comparison to the currently used full life testing approach, the use of the CRDS sensor will have several advantages: thruster erosion can be measured in situ with high sensitivity readily allowing one to study changes in erosion rate with time and with thruster operating conditions; the sensor can be used relatively quickly and inexpensively; the sensor data provides number density and velocity information on the sputtered particles enabling comparisons against numerical models (and model validation).
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.