Compact, Ultrasensitive SO2 Monitor, Phase I

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop an ultrasensitive, laser-based sulfur dioxide gas sensor system for airborne and ground-based atmospheric monitoring. The proposed instrument will be capable of accurately determining sub-parts-per-billion SO2 concentrations in seconds. This compact, instrument will be capable of long-term autonomous operation and have modest power requirements. The Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the technology by performing measurements on SO2 samples using a bench-scale laboratory instrument that employs a novel, frequency agile UV laser source. The results of these tests will be used to quantify detection limits for a Phase II instrument. Commercial systems based on the Phase II prototype will be developed and marketed during Phase III.

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.