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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L35874/01
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ATOMIC OXYGEN SENSOR
Principal Investigator: Chambers, Dr A
Other Investigators:
Roberts, Dr R Dyke, Professor J Roberts, Dr G
Gabriel, Professor SB
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Engineering Materials
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 November 1996 Ends: 31 October 1998 Value (£): 139,869
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Design Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
A feasibility study conducted by the applicants at ESTEC has demonstrated that ZnO is very sensitive to AO and hence has the potential to be used as an AO flux monitor in low Earth orbit. The research has shown that it can be regenerated by heating and is therefore renewable. In this research ZnO will be fully characterised in a ground simulation at ESTEC. This will involve establishing the effects of AO energy, flux, temperature and UV. Structure of ZnO is also important, and will be investigated using single crystal and thin films deposited under different conditions.A spaceflight opportunity has been identified (DRA microsatellite) STRVIc/d which is planned for launch in late 1997/early 1998. A satellite experiment based on ZnO but incorporating silver resistance sensors (developed under previous EPSRC awards) will be designed, built and delivered to DRA for integration on the satellite. If the satellite is launched as planned, the results of the experiment will be analysed during the period of this research and interpreted in the light of the experience gained in the ground based simulation facility.
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Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk