Development of Diamond Vacuum Differential Amplifier for Harsh Environment Power Electronics

In this proposed Phase II, Scientic and Vanderbilt University will develop a novel vacuum field emission differential amplifier (VFEDA) using low electron affinity nanodiamond (ND) material as electron emitters for high-power electronic application in harsh environments. The ND-VFEDA is a fundamental circuit building block for vacuum integrated circuits (VICs) ideally suited for high radiation and space applications. The proposed high-power ND-VFEDA will be capable of operating over a wide-temperature range (-125˚C to 450˚C), possess tolerance to extreme doses of ionizing radiation and deliver the long-term reliability and stability needed to successfully execute environmentally stressful space science missions.

The anticipated exceptional radiation hardness, temperature intensity, and performance parameters of the diamond-based vacuum differential amplifiers make them well suited to all space-based applications. Scientic market research has found a need for high power amplifiers in satellite operations for both NASA and DOD applications. Low to no impedance high power switching is required in many research areas within NASA, such as electrostatic analyzers (ESA) used in Heliophysics experiments.

Previous experience and research has demonstrated a requirement for extreme temperature and radiation hardened amplifiers for defense and space applications. Scientic believes multiple programs run by the Air Force Research laboratory and the Air Force Space and Missile Center would benefit from technology utilizing ND-VFEDA devices.

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.

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