Description :  

MicroElectricalMechanical Systems (MEMS) currently includes two subtopics that face high-profile public attention as well as corresponding federal funding and publication opportunities.  The integration of nanotechnologies into microdevices to enhance performance is one subtopic; whereas, microdevices for Space-based homeland security applications is the other subtopic.  Of all radiation sources, the Department of Energy has highlighted neutron emitters as the most critical for detection and regulation.  Satellites that monitor neutron emission currently exist, and aid in the immediate diagnosis and regulation of nuclear events on Earth and in space; however, a need exists to develop detectors with better neutron vs. gamma detection efficiencies.  The PI of this project proposes to have the undergraduate student lead the efforts to characterize a new type of miniaturized neutron detector that is being developed.

Portable X-ray sources and detectors would be of tremendous benefit to the Space Industry.  A low power, small portable system could provide a tool for real time diagnosis of structural integrity on spacecraft and future space stations.  Currently, the X-ray source and the neutron detectors are being developed in the lab of the PI.  This project will have the undergraduate work with mentoring PhD students in the testing and calibration of portable X-ray sources developed in the PI’s lab.

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Principal Investigator:  Wilson, Chester  --  Electrical Engineering

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Collaborators:  

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Funding Agencies:  Louisiana Board of Regents / NASA

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Amount Awarded:  $5,000

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Start Period:  08/15/2005

End Period:  08/14/2006