Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF
Graphene Field Effect Transistors for Radiation Detection
Project Description
This is propose to develop Graphene Field Effect Transistor based Radiation Sensors (GFET-RS) for NASA Manned Spaceflight Missions anticipated in next several decades. The device consists of a graphene piece deposited on a Si substrate with certain thickness of insulation layer. In our initial experiment, constant radiation was applied above the GFET and device conductance was measured before and after the radiation. We observed an increase of the device mobility (transconductance) after the radiation. This demonstration showed that graphene is radiation hard and its conductance changes with radiation. With the IRAD fund, we will continue exploring sensing mechanisms in GFETs and identify optimal absorber substrates and device geometries to improve radiation detection speed, sensitivity, and energy resolution of our GFET-RS devices.
More »
Anticipated Benefits
This technology can also be important in future Heliophysics science missions. The study of the heliosphere, the Earth's magnetosphere, and space weather is moving past the phase where individual spacecraft can do all the research. The system science required to understand and predict space weather will need arrays of "space weather stations", and small, light-weight radiation sensors such as GFET-RS can be used on arrays of cubesats in Earth orbit, or even small satellites spread throughout the vast heliosphere. The technology promises low power consumption and high sensitivity radiation sensors for commercial space industry and other government agencies.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.