Molecular-Resonance Fiber Optic Gas Sensors, Phase I

Aspen systems proposes to develop an innovative and smart sensors to continuously monitor ambient air compositions by utilizing a resonating tunable micro-cavity technology. The new device will directly measure the unique vibrational resonance of gas molecules and determine its concentration for each constituent gas species. In Phase I, we will experimentally demonstrate the proposed concept by monitoring ambient air concentrations using the resonating tunable micro-cavity sensor. Selectivity and sensitivity of each gas species in air will be determined. Furthermore, we will determine linear response ranges of the proposed air monitoring system as a function of test gas compositions, including carbon dioxide and ethylene, temperatures and relative humidity. In Phase II, we will fabricate and test a prototype system for air monitoring in biomass production environments. Resulting smart gas sensors will be extremely compact, accurate, reliable, light weighted, low power consumption, no extra supplies required for operation and fully automated microprocessor controllable. Furthermore, the same gas sensing and monitoring system can be used to measure relative humidity, pressures and temperatures of ambient air by using slightly modified sensor designs.

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.