3D Printed Electroluminescent Light Panels - FY17

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

Task 1: Construct EL devices using both commercially available inks and MSFC developed inks starting with screen-printing methods as a baseline Task 2: Quantitatively compare the devices and measure the improvements (if any) that are gained by using MSFC nano-materials over commercial materials Task 3: Convert best inks from thick film (used for screen printing) to thin film (suitable for aerosol-jet printing)Task 4: Develop a particle-free Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) ink to allow for the printing of transparent, conductive electrodes using [1]Task 5: Switch from a "front to back" method printing on a conductive-coated plastic sheet (conventional method) to a "back to front" method using the ITO ink as the front electrode/window Year 1 Deliverables: Aerosol-Jet printed EL device printed using "back to front" method.

Benefits

The goal of this project is to create the inks for electroluminescent (EL) devices that can be embedded onto many surfaces. This concept was incubated as a result of the desire to embed identification patches on astronaut space suits, so that at a glance astronauts could identify other astronauts in their suits. This is particularly important in the Martian environment where dust storms are frequent. The technology will be applicable to in-situ construction of future planetary habitats. The current state of the art is deficient in regards to printing EL devices; namely, the reliance on a prepared surface coated with a transparent conductor and the inks used for the rest of the device (conductor inks, phosphor inks, and dielectric inks).

Details

Program	Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date	2016-10-01
End date	2017-07-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Ian K Small — ian.k.small@nasa.gov
Angela D Shields — angela.d.shields@nasa.gov
Terry D Rolin — terry.d.rolin@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.