Grant: Idea to Innovation

Market Assessment for Cold Atom Based Sensor for Atomic or Molecular Flux The goal of this proposal is to conduct a market assessment of a cold atom based sensor for atom or molecular flux in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, such as are encountered in semiconductor processing applications. This device is based on the measurement of loss of cold atoms from a trap due to collisions with a flux of particles passing through the trapping volume. The advantages of this sensor are that the particle density is connected to the loss rate from the trap through the immutable properties of atomic interactions and the loss frequency is a readily measurable quantity. Together these provide a robust method for density determination which is not subject to the calibration drift found in commonly used ionization gauges. The marketing assessment will be carried out by an independent, certified management consultant, and will focus on identifying the most promising niches for this sensor. Attention will be paid to the semiconductor processing industry, with emphasis on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) processing where the sensor may be useful as an atomic beam flux measurement sensor and/or a beam profiler. Another application that will be investigated will be the use of this device as a pressure sensor and as a pressure standard for the UHV regime. The market assessment will identify which sectors are the most promising for commercialization, the size and opportunity in the market, and will provide a roadmap for commercialization. The product requirements, key specifications, standards, and interface requirements will be identified. The customer evaluation, decision, and purchasing criteria along with the purchasing practices and timelines will be reported. The outcomes of this assessment will help to guide the research and development of the sensor to best meet the market requirements.