Project Title:

Thin Film Pressure Sensor with Optical Output

GRE Incorporated
P.O. Box 30863
Albuquerque, NM  87190-0863

93-1-03.05-8277  __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $ 69,801

Thin Film Pressure Sensor with Optical Output

Abstract:

We propose a thin, flexible pressure sensing film with optical out-
put consisting of a polymer LED on a piezoelectric polymer
substrate.  The innovation lies in combining these two types of
polymers to make a single sensor which will provide a minimal
intrusion method for measuring pressure distributions on structures
in free-flight and/or wind tunnel tests. Spatial resolution should
be better than 1 mm. Response times could be as short as 1 æs.
Power consumption could be as low as a few Wm-2. The project
objectives are to show that the device can be fabricated, to show
that it functions as anticipated, and to develop a conceptual
design for a sensor to be demonstrated in wind tunnel tests. The
effort proposed is about 6 man months including subcontractors (for
device fabrication) and a consultant (in design and applications).
We anticipate that the objectives will be met and that a
demonstration in a wind tunnel will be possible in Phase II. Phase
III would include manufacturing of sensors for use in NASA
aerodynamic testing. These sensors will improve understanding of
flow features and will lead to design of more capable and/or more
efficient subsonic aircraft.

The sensor film will be ideal for measurement of pressure distribu
tions on moving and complex-shaped parts in both aerodynamic and
hydrodynamic experiments. Possible related applications include
shock wave sensors, radiation detectors, and image converters.

piezoelectric polymers, light-emitting diodes, pressure
distribution, polymer LED, pressure sensors, fast-response