Inexpensive Microsensor Fabrication Process

About this technology

Overview

Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed a simple method of fabricating novel microsensors in large quantities using nanostructures as templates. Existing nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes or biological structures, have excellent potential for use in sensor systems but lack certain advantages, including the ability to operate at high temperatures. Glenn's novel technique enables the advantageous properties of nanostructures to be combined with more durable materials, such as metal or metal oxides. In this way, the sensor gets the best of both worlds - the nanostructure offers a larger surface area for sensing, and the metal oxide provides durability and high-temperature capability. By fabricating chemical sensors with nanostructured materials at their core, Glenn has made it possible to develop compact, uniquely tailored sensor systems with significantly improved capabilities. These advanced microsensors can be used in a wide variety of critical applications, including fire detection, gas detection, environmental monitoring, and health monitoring.