Project Title:

Trace-Contaminant Vapor Monitors

12.12-7070
NAS10-11652
Trace-Contaminant Vapor Monitors
Geo Centers, Inc.
	7 Wells Avenue
	Newton Centre, MA 02159
		Mary Elizabeth Tabacco
(617-964-7070)

Abstract:

	The goal of this project is to design and evaluate optrodes to monitor trace-contaminant
vapors present in NASA's Biomass Production Chamber. The target species will be either
ethylene or carbon monoxide. The approach utilizes two types of porous fiber waveguides
combined with selective chemistry. These novel optrodes offer high sensitivity, design
flexibility, and the inherent fiber-optic advantages of immunity to electromagnetic
interference, small size, ruggedness, and freedom from explosion hazard. Subsequent
to laboratory evaluation, a sensor design will be recommended for Phase II development
and field testing at the Kennedy Space Center.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: An ethylene sensor would be used for inexpensive
low level detection of ethylene vapor for commercial hydroponic and aquaculture ventures,
and, at higher levels, accurate monitoring in the plastics and welding industries.
Carbon monoxide vapor monitors are also needed. The technical approach could be applied
to sensing requirements for other contaminants.