TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS) Gas sensors based on metal oxides are known to be widely used for the detection of gases, aromatic hydrocarbon, etc., but such sensors lack selectivity, and operation at high temperatures is required. We have proved feasibility of our approach in Phase I, which focused on the use of highly organized ultrathin films of conducting polymers synthesized/processed via the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique for the first time relative to gas sensing application with emphasis on sensitivity and selectivity that are otherwise unattainable with other fabrication methods or materials. We have obtained excellent results relative to several aspects of the technology, particularly sensitivity and selectivity using few molecular layers of the different polymers. In the proposed Phase II program, we plan to optimize selected materials and their processing based on the feasibility study, and to elaborate on the viability of their sensors with respect to stability towards humidity, and heat, and gravity effects. We will also conduct thorough experiments to establish high selectivity while maintaining ppb detection level capability. Full characterization of single or multi-sensors will be performed towards maturing the technology and fabrication of prototypes that will be used for evaluation by NASA and for commercialization purposes in collaboration with HRL Laboratories.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS With the expected high selectivity and ppb detection levels and versatility of the measurement procedure, our proposed program will result in simple low cost devices that will work independently of gravity and that can be easily miniaturized for the different applications. In addition to NASA's gas sensing needs, such sensors can be of benefit to the automotive sector for detection of pollutant gases emanating from automobile exhaust.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip) Dr. Manoj K. Ram Fractal Systems, Inc. 200 9th Avenue North, Suite 100 Safety Harbor , FL 34695 - 3504
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip) Fractal Systems, Inc. 200 9th Avenue North, Suite 100 Safety Harbor , FL 34695 - 3504