Ion Optics Reports MEMS Gas Sensor Progress at Commercialization of Microsystems 2000 Conference
24 August 2000
Ion Optics Reports MEMS Gas Sensor Progress at Commercialization of Microsystems 2000 Conference
WALTHAM, Mass.--Aug. 24, 2000--Ion Optics, in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is working to develop an infrared gas SensorChip that integrates the active optical functions of an industrial gas sensor onto a single integrated circuit (IC). Ion Optics' development is partially funded with an Advanced Technology Program (ATP) award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing techniques, the infrared (IR) gas SensorChip will provide accurate and reliable gas sensing at the high volumes and low costs required for mass market applications such as carbon monoxide detectors, indoor air quality monitors, medical devices, and automotive sensors. This revolutionary approach using new surface modification techniques and semiconductor fabrication methods radically simplifies the design and construction of gas and chemical sensors. The MEMS IR gas SensorChip will be sensitive enough to compete with larger, more complex gas sensors, but inexpensive enough to penetrate mass market applications.The 5th International Conference on the Commercialization of Microsystems is being held September 5-9, 2000 at the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, NM. Panel discussions will focus on commercialization challenges for MEMS/microsystem based products; strategic management of micro- and nano-technologies; new paradigm shifts in microsystem products for automotive, optical and biomedical devices; and the development of an international roadmap for microsystems.
Brian Kinkade, VP of Marketing and Sales, will be participating in the Bio and Chemical MEMS panel from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday September 7th. Brian will be presenting Ion Optics' business and technical progress from recent months.
Ion Optics manufactures proprietary, infrared sensor components that reduce parts count, integration cost, and complexity of IR gas and chemical sensors. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, air quality, industrial and medical instrument markets use our components. Ion Optics' mission is to employ its proprietary technologies and designs to bring laboratory quality instruments to the mass market. We are actively working with market leaders to develop the next generation of smaller, simpler, more integrated sensors.