Development of Chemical Sensor Arrays for Harsh Environments and Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry requires the development of a range of chemical sensor technologies for such applications as fuel leak detection, fire detection, and emission monitoring. A range of chemical sensors are being developed based on: 1) Micromachining and microfabrication technology, 2) The use of nanocrystalline materials, and 3) The development of high temperature semiconductors, especially silicon carbide. However, due to issues of selectivity and cross-sensitivity, individual sensors are limited in the amount of information that they can provide in environments that contain multiple chemical species. Thus, sensor arrays are being developed to address detection needs in such multi-species environments. This paper discusses the sensor array development for harsh environment and aerospace applications such as leak and fire detection as well as emissions monitoring. Application of these arrays as well as their relative stage of development will be addressed.