SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
TRACE SPECIES SENSOR USING DOUBLY DIFFERENTIAL DETECTION
Technical Abstract:
An important requirement of launch system instrumentation is monitoring for
leaks of hazardous gases and toxic vapors. Leaks can represent a significant
danger to personnel and spacecraft. NASA has identified a need for small
point sensors for hydrazine (HDR), monomethyl hydrazine (MMHDR) and NO2, with
a sensitivity 1-100 ppm in a measurement time of 15 sec that can operate for
3-6 months without recalibration. We have recently applied tunable diode
laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS) for the detection of NO2 and achieved 50
ppb sensitivity in 1 second in a 20 cm pathlength. From the known IR
absorptivity of NO2 and HDR, we calculate that the technique may be applied to
HDR and MMDR at 1-10 ppm. A TDLAS system may be configured as a compact rugged
system with stable calibration. In the launch environment, the possibility
exists for a single optical sensor system may be adversely affected by
particulates or other interferences. We therefore propose Doubly Differential
Detection (DDD) in conjunction with TDLAS as an innovative method of
discriminating against interferences from particulates, aerosols and other
materials.
Potential Commercial Applications:
Sensitive remote sensing in real time HDR and MMHDR would be a considerable
benefit to industries that manufacture and transport hazardous materials, as
well as to aerospace and related companies and laboratories that use these
materials in propulsion or R&D. A sensitive detector of NO2 has commercial
potential both as an environmental monitoring device and as well as .a
combustion diagnostic. Moreover, the technical challenges that will be
addressed in this project are common to those involved in commercializing this
technology for a wide variety of chemical sensor
applications.
Name and Address of Offeror:
MetroLaser
18006 Skypark Circle #108
Irvine, CA 92714-6428
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996