SBIR/STTR
ZnMgO Nanowire Based Detectors and Detector Arrays, Phase I
Project Introduction
In this STTR program, Structured Materials Industries (SMI) and partners propose to develop an electrically contacted zinc magnesium oxide (ZnMgO) nanowire array for highly efficient UV focal plane arrays. The properties of ZnMgO make it a very promising material for optoelectronic devices. In particular, the wide bandgap (3.37 eV) and large exciton binding energy (60 meV), and the ability to fabricate stable, uniform ZnMgO nanowires make the material attractive as a sensor material.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: A ZnMgO nanowire focal plane array has great potential as a highly sensitive, low noise imager capable of operation over a broad wavelength range in the UV. The wide bandgap of ZnMgO will produce very little thermal noise. A dense array of nanowire will produce a very large absorption cross section for the design wavelength range. The precise control of the nanowire deposition process, including composition and diameter provides the ability to precisely tune the structures for particular wavelength ranges and objectives. Further, sensitizers (molecular or nanoparticle) on the surface of the nanowires may be used to further tune the optoelectronic response. All these factors lead to a high performance, UV imager.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Structured Materials Industries, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Piscataway, NJ |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
-
New Jersey
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Nick M Sbrockey
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2014
End: Dec 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.1 Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.1.1 Detectors and Focal Planes