Large-array Far-infrared Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector Demonstration

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Design, developed an demonstrate an instrument-grade 20x20 pixel array of Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) for far-infrared astronomy applications. Successful development will lead to the deployment of these arrays on ground-based/ balloon-borne telescopes.

Low return loss package design Improve amplifier mismatch at the package and chip interface Multi-branch MKID design to increase readout frequencies Silicon membrane of 1.45 or 5 micron-thick strong enough to support membrane size of 18x18 mm2 Automated software for large array measurement and computation.

Benefits

N/A

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Microwave, Millimeter Waves, and Submillimeter Waves
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2011-10-01
End date	2012-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Terence A Doiron — terence.a.doiron@nasa.gov
Kongpop U-yen — kongpop.u-yen-1@nasa.gov
Ari D Brown — ari.d.brown@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
Emily M Barrentine — emily.m.barrentine@nasa.gov
Thomas R Stevenson — thomas.r.stevenson@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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