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A multi-element optical detector system (redundant version of LAR-16279-1) includes an electrically resistive screen that is substantially transparent to radiation energy having a wavelength of interest. A plurality of electron transfer elements (e.g. a low work function photoactive material or a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based element) are provided with each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each element is spaced apart from the screen by an evacuated cap. When the radiation energy passes through the screen with a bias voltage applied thereto, transfer of electrons through each element is induced from the first end top the second end such that a quantity indicative of the electrons transferred through each element can be detected. The 16279-2 technology pertains to a carbon nanotube-based photosensitive array technology (competitor: CCD, CMOS) that will potentially enable the development of advanced imaging (cameras) and optical sensor devices that are uniquely relevant to NASA aerospace missions. Examples include intelligent vision systems, vehicle autonomous flight avionics for un-inhabited aerial vehicles (UAV), personal air vehicles (PAV), high-altitude long endurance remotely operated aircraft (HALE-ROA) and planetary exploration air vehicles, such as the Mars ARES mission concept. The technology is equally relevant to space exploration and scientific missions both in low-Earth orbit (shuttle, ISS) as well as for long-duration manned and robotic scientific missions.Potential spin-off technologies include advanced nanoscale microscopy systems, digital cameras, scanners, photocopiers and a wide array of other technology impacts that rely on an optical transduction event (such as the photoelectric effect that is used to keep elevator doors from closing on passengers) in their operation.
Publications
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Technical Support Package:
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Related TOPS
Patent Number:
6765190
Licensing:
Available
Public Release Date:
3/30/2004
Reference Number: LAR-16279-2
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