Explosive Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon Device

Possible applications include: A portable flame emission spectrometer for field use in metals contamination analysis. A self-destruct mechanism for microelectronic devices and a safer, less shock-sensitive, programmable igniter for explosives. A miniature silicon explosive might be used as a propulsion source for micro-electrical mechanical systems, micro-robots, or micro-satellites.

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a solid state device fabricated from a high surface-area porous silicon substrate and nitrate salts. On ignition, the material produces a very clean burning flame. Although ignition can be initiated by a low voltage source, the device is stable at temperatures above 100 degrees centigrade. Fabrication of this explosive “chip” is compatible with conventional silicon fabrication techniques.

Patent Number: US7942989B2
Application Number: US2003731220A
Inventor: Sailor, Michael J. | Mikulec, Frederic V. | Kirtland, Joseph D.
Priority Date: 10 Dec 2002
Priority Number: US7942989B2
Application Date: 9 Dec 2003
Publication Date: 17 May 2011
IPC Current: C06B002500 | C06B002504 | C06B002532 | C06B003100 | C06B003102 | C06B003112 | C06B003116 | C06B003128 | C06B003300 | C06B003500 | C06B004500 | C06B004504 | C06C000900 | G01N002171
US Class: 149045 | 149002 | 149017 | 149035 | 149046 | 149061 | 149093 | 149105 | 1491086
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Porous silicon-based explosive
Usefulness: Porous silicon-based explosive
Summary: The explosive is for detonating a second explosive, and for providing both a source of excitation (via the explosion) and a matrix for an analyte. The explosive is also useful in military, environmental and security applications, such as in chemical sensing applications, propulsion systems for micro-electro-mechanical system devices (claimed), self-destructing computer chips, or as tiny light sources that could be detected by infrared or night-vision camera equipment.
Novelty: Initiator explosive for detonating second explosive in e.g. propulsion system used for micro-electro-mechanical system device, comprises nanocrystalline silicon containing pores, and solid state oxidant disposed within pores

化工/材料

化工/材料應用

7942989

Related Materials

• Visit inventor's lab link at http://chem-faculty.ucsd.edu/sailor/research.
• More details on the invention have been published in Advanced Materials volume 14, No.1, January 2002.

Tech ID/UC Case

20631/2002-124-0

Related Cases

2002-124-0

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