Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Navy"s need for a cumulative moisture sensor for ceramic fabrics, Phys

Description

To address the Navy"s need for a cumulative moisture sensor for ceramic fabrics, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Wireless Cumulative Moisture Sensor (WiCMoS). This proposed low-cost WiCMoS device is based on a moisture responsive sensing layer coupled with a miniaturized wireless transmitter design that provides wireless measurement of the cumulative moisture exposure level in ceramic fabrics. The innovation in the use of irreversible hydrolysis reaction on a polymeric gel with a passive wireless RFID tag will enable the WiCMoS to be packaged with ceramic fabric spools, and accurately measure and wirelessly transmit the cumulative moisture exposure level of the ceramic fabric spool. As a result, this WiCMoS device directly addresses the Navy"s requirements for measuring the cumulative moisture absorbed by ceramic fabric. The WiCMoS device provides an exceptionally simple measurement method and fabrication process suitable for high-volume commercial manufacturing. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the WiCMoS device by laboratory correlation study and demonstration. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a cumulative moisture sensor prototype and evaluate the process through fabrication and testing of the prototype. A manufacturing assessment will be performed for high-volume production.