MPS/DMR Materials for sensors New materials and chemical processes are the starting point for advances and innovation in critical sensor systems. Sensors are devices containing materials that respond to stimuli. They of great importance in safety-related areas, national security, health, etc. Applications range from assessing the integrity of aircraft to monitoring the environment for hazardous chemicals. Important economic drivers are the development and incorporation of sensors into products that aid in extending usable life. New types of sensors are made possible with new materials that are produced using advanced synthesis methodologies. Active and "smart" materials can be enablers for reconfigurable surfaces, adaptive structures and novel actuation. Fundamental research on new materials will lead to advanced knowledge and insights in the science and technology of sensing.

Basic Research Opportunities for Sensor Materials (illustrative only) New materials for noninvasive sensor technologies to sense and control the thickness (down to one atomic layer) of films, especially "superlattice" structures. Improved sensors to monitor gas and chemical purity. Gas analyzers, mass controller calibrators, chemically selective sensors, and particle detectors are all essential to help manufacturing minimize waste and cost. Development of low-cost alternative materials for the detection of long wavelength radiation. This represents a high-risk, high-payoff research opportunity. Materials with high selectivity for direct chemical sensing for environmental monitoring. Detection of chemical weapons is a specialized type of environmental sensing. NSF should support basic research in new materials solutions to replace inadequate materials solutions or to support an entirely new concept of measurement. Expanding the Vision of Sensor Materials (1995) National Materials Advisory Board

Materials based sensor examples Example of a sensor using a solid state intercalation compound that can move or impart motion to produce a mechanically adaptable structure. Example of a sensor based on a semiconductors nano-material that responds to the presence of biomolecules to produce electrical signals.

New very sensitive infrared detector based on new form of PbS PbS nanocrystals tuned by the quantum size effect and sensitized with a conjugated polymer. Sensitivity 10x that of the best IR detector. Very low cost. Conclusion: new materials will enable improved detectors/sensors and help test new sensing concepts. G. Konstantatos, Nature 442, (13 July 2006)