Optical pressure sensor based on zirconia nanostructures

  • uacoopera
  • From Portugal
  • Responsive
  • Patents for licensing

Summary of the technology

A group of researchers from a Portuguese university has developed the concept of a gas pressure gauge based on the control of the luminescence from zirconia nanostructures. The invention aims to measure the gas pressure based on the nanoparticles emission that is different depending on the amount of gas molecules surrounding the nanoparticles. Comparing with existing solutions, the advantage of this process, which operate in a pressure range of interest for various market sectors (ex. Food industry), is the absence of electrical contacts. The university is looking for companies that develop this type of solution on an industrial scale for the further joint development of specific applications or technology licensing.

New and innovative aspects

The present invention has the following advantages over existing technologies: a) no electrical contacts, being the pressure inferred optically, b) use of biocompatible material, c) flexible handling system.

 

Specifications

A Portuguese university developed a solution to overcome the commercial inexistence of wireless pressure sensors. The degree of product innovation lies in using a contactless technology based on the colour emission of zirconia nanoparticles due to the pressure of the surrounding environment. Sensors based on this technology benefit from not require electrical contacts being the pressure registered with the naked eye taking into account the colors emitted by the nanoparticles. These characteristics allow the applications in packaging and related food industry. Furthermore, it is important to mention that the nanoparticles are biocompatible.

The university aims to license this technology to companies with development or production and marketing capacity of sensors for the development of business solutions based on the technology. The university is also available to participate in this development through a joint venture project or its subcontracting.

 

Applications

  • Application as pressure sensors for food, aerospace and vacuum technology industries.

 

Intellectual property status

Pending patente application.

 

Current development status

Tested in the laboratory as proof of concept.

Desired business relationship

The university aims to license this technology to companies with development or production and marketing capacity of sensors for the development of business solutions based on the technology. The university is also available to participate in this development through a joint venture project or its subcontracting.

Related Keywords

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Optics
  • Micro- and Nanotechnology
  • Technologies for the food industry
  • Food and Beverages
  • Other chemicals and materials (not elsewhere classified)
  • Speciality/performance chemicals
  • Other Consumer Related (not elsewhere classified)

About uacoopera

The University of Aveiro is a young and innovative university, which fosters entrepreneurship and technology and knowledge transfer, with expertise in a wide range of knowledge areas namely IT, Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Health, Environmental Sciences), Nanotechnology and Materials Science, Mechanics, Physics, Mathematics, Building, Design and Management. uacoopera is the Technology Transfer Office of University of Aveiro. This office engages in value adding activities such as start-up and spin-off creation, support to university-industry cooperation (sponsored research and consultancy services), IP protection and prosecution, licensing, marketing, among others. It covers four main interrelated functional areas – Intellectual Property Management, Licensing, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Liaison.

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