Wireless MEMs BioSensor, Phase I

Crossfield is proposing to develop a low cost, single chip plant bio-monitor using an embedded MEMs based infrared (IR) spectroscopy gas sensor for carbon dioxide and oxygen sensing, a temperature sensor, a visible light sensor, and a MEMs based soil moisture sensor. In addition, the signal conditioning, A/D converter, and processor will be implemented on the same monolithic chip, providing NASA with a smart biosensor chip for monitoring and data logging plant life environmental stress. A second, commercially available chip will provide a wireless interconnect to a remote monitoring station, enabling any suitably equipped computer, such as a laptop or a fixed display station to monitor the condition of a networked array of such sensors. The MEMs sensors are innovative Crossfield designs and the small, two-chip Wireless BioSensor is sufficiently low power to enable indefinite life time by energy scavenging from the environment. Under Phase I, the system will be demonstrated using analysis, simulation, and a demonstration breadboard of key elements. The monolithic sensor will be fully developed under a Phase II effort.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.