inXitu is currently working on the following SBIR funded projects;
Development of a miniature CheMin prototype for manual and robotic deployment
The objective of this research is to develop a miniaturized CheMin prototype that can be deployed on earth either as a lightweight portable system for field analysis, or as an integrated instrument in a robotic mission.
The system is based upon the previous generation instruments already proven suitable for in situ mineralogical analysis. The systems main features will include its unique sample handling system which minimizes sample preparation, XRD analysis utilizing a fixed wide angle camera and battery operation for portability. Improvements over previous generation instruments will focus on lighter weight, smaller footprint and reduced power consumption.
Powder Handling System for inXitu Planetary Instruments
The objectives of this research are to study the effect of a novel sample handling technique on the X-ray diffraction data recorded by laboratory and miniature instruments to perform quantitative mineralogical analysis. Refine the technique and data analysis approaches to enable precise quantitative analysis of mineral mixtures.
Study powder transport approaches relying on surface vibration with no macroscopic movement
of particles. This research is critical to the development of the sample handling technique of the CheMin instrument. It constitutes a complementary research to the R&D efforts currently engaged at inXitu, Inc on the technological aspects of this technique.
Miniature x-ray source for planetary exploration
The objective of the work is to develop a miniature electrical x-ray source for planetary surface instruments. This x-ray source will integrate an x-ray emitting vacuum tube and both low and high-voltage power supplies into a compact and lightweight unit. This x-ray source will enable further miniaturized x-ray instruments to be deployed for surface and subsurface exploration of the solar system. The basis of this innovation is in the application of state of the art materials to produce a low-power, passively-cooled, grounded-anode x-ray source.
Carbon Nanotube Electron Sources for Air Purification
The innovation proposed here focuses on cleansing air with high energy electrons. Bombardment
by electrons has proven to be effective in removing a wide spectrum of chemical and biological pollutants. Electron beam systems have a significant advantage over conventional VOC and odor control technologies. The process requires less energy than other purification methods, generates no additional CO2, requires no additional reagents and does not produce any solid or hazardous waste.
The objective of this work is to develop an e-beam source to meet the restrictive cost, weight and reliability requirements of commercial passenger aircraft and manned space exploration. The key to this transition is to replace the thermionic cathode electron emitter with a carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission cathode. During Phase 1 we completed a design of an e-beam system suitable for maintaining air purity for an enclosed four men space station. The system is compact, light weight and will fit readily in line with an air conditioning duct. In Phase II, we will detail the design, and build a prototype of the e-beam system. That e-beam source can also be use for decontaminating small widely distributed pollution sources, such as small paint shops, gas stations, and restaurants.
X-Ray Inspection for Baggage Screening
The objective of this research is to develop a compact x-ray source to be used in the next generation rapid CT scanning systems for baggage screening. The x-ray source will be comprised of an integrated, 160 kV, x-ray tube and high-voltage power supply. The novelty of this device will be its compact size (allowing for new system designs), high level of integration (low installation and maintenance costs) and precise control over the x-ray spot (allowing for higher resolution images in less time). This work is funded by NASA Ames Research Center in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).