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Quantum-Dot Paints for Surface Temperature Measurement

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9101-04-M-0030
Agency Tracking Number: F041-294-0862
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF04-294
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-05-27
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-02-27
Small Business Information
P.O. Box 618
Christiansburg, VA 24068
United States
DUNS: 008963758
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Mecham
 Research Scientist Group Leader C
 (540) 953-1785
 jbmecham@nanosonic.com
Business Contact
 Richard Claus
Title: President
Phone: (540) 953-1785
Email: roclaus@nanosonic.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Temperature-sensitive paints (TSP) are a reliable way to monitor surface temperature without the need for physical contact with the test subject. Luminescent probes are incorporated into a surface treatment and the change in luminescent output with temperature is monitored optically or by spectroscopic means. TSPs are used in the aeronautics and astronautics industry to understand temperature gradients to maximize material integrity and design geometry of crafts. The purpose of this Phase I proposal is to design a new temperature-sensitive paint for use on test subjects in wind tunnels. NanoSonic, Inc will design a temperature sensitive paint containing zinc sulfide capped cadmium selenide, (CdSe)ZnS, quantum-dots as the luminescent temperature probe that can be spray applied to the test subject. Recently, it was found that (CdSe)ZnS fluorescent intensity strongly depended on temperature, making them ideal for temperature probes. NanoSonic proposes to utilize novel temperature resistant sulfone-based polymers as the binder matrix in the TSP. In addition, NanoSonic will investigate the effects annealing will have on fluorescence intensity and temperature response of the temperature-sensitive paint. In this proposed work, NanoSonic will partner with Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry to fully characterize the temperature response of the TSP through fluorescence spectroscopy.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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