99--TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY LASER-INDUCED FABRICATION OF METALLICINTERLAYERS AND PATTERNS IN POLYIMIDE FILMS: LAR-16616-1

Synopsis: NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed a method of using a coherent laser to process polyimide films impregnated with a soluble solution of palladium metal in a novel way to produce controlled metal layers in-situ. The laser allows patterning in the x and y dimensions and can accurately embed metal layers at different depths in the polymer films by controlling the intensity of the laser radiation. The metallic interlayers and patterns are produced in the polymer by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) laser processing and thermal curing. These films exhibit photoactive properties that can be tailored for optical devices, such as reflectors and mirrors, by controlling the intensity of a coherent laser to embed metal layers at different depths in the polymer films. These novel photo-assisted self-assembled nanoparticle films exhibit significant absorption in the optical and near infrared regions and change dimensions on exposure to radiation. They display mechanical properties similar to bi-metallic strips. These films have potential applications in electronics and optics, such as MEMS switches and opto-mechanical isolator switches. NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/ . These responses are provided to members of NASA Langleys Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development OSACB for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.