Ultra-Low-Power MEMS Selective Gas Sensors

KWJ offers this proposal for a very low power but very practical "nano-watt" MEMS sensor platform for NASA requirements. The proposed nano-sensor platform is ultra low power and has a long sensor lifetime for extended battery life or power-harvester operation. The extremely fast response time of the sensor (<100 nsec) will be utilized in this SBIR as a possible new and innovative avenue to create selectivity for TCDs. This approach would only be available to very fast detectors like the new KWJ MEMS detector. The sensor is a platform technology designed for multiple analyte measurement on a single chip. In addition to cryogenic system leak detection for CH4, H2, and He, the platform can address trace levels of N2, O2, and H20 in gaseous helium purge streams. The SBIR project creates products and spin offs for NASA, industrial, and medical applications.

Additional, non-NASA commercial applications include: * Mine safety detection of methane and carbon monoxide. * Air quality in automotive passenger cabin during driving. * Indoor and building air quality. * Breath analysis for patient diagnostics

Potential NASA applications include: * Detection of in-space and on-pad leaks from cryogenic storage systems. * Leak detection for propellants including hydrogen, methane, oxygen. * Leak detection systems operational both in atmospheric conditions and in vacuum with multiple sensors.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.