High Performance FUV, NUV, and UV/Optical CMOS Imagers

We propose the development and maturation of high efficiency, large format, low noise, FUV, NUV, and broadband complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based detectors that address the needs of future NASA missions particularly the large IR/O/UV observatory that is recommended by the Astro2020 decadal. Our proposed objectives for this development are tied to the technology gaps identified by Technology Development for Cosmic Origins (TCOR) and the large telescopes technology requirements of the large Astro2020-recommended IR/O/UV observatory recommended by NASA flagship mission concepts studies, especially the LUVOIR while recognizing that the Astro2020 recommends a significantly smaller approach that will place even more exacting requirement on the high signal to noise ratio needed at the detector end. We have identified several of the key and driving detector requirements of NASA flagship mission workhorse instruments—such as LUVOIR High-Definition Imager (HDI) and LUVOIR Ultraviolet Multi-Object Spectrograph-Near Ultraviolet (LUMOS-NUV)—and plan to address these in a focused, stepwise approach. These instruments need high performance detectors in large format (10’s megapixel), low noise (<2.5 e-), small pixels (5-10 µm), high quantum efficiency (>50%), and tailorable spectral response in a large (multi gigapixel) mosaic focal plane array (FPA). This proposed effort combines advanced CMOS design develop in industry (Teledyne-e2v, SRI, and RVS) including low noise stitchable scalable arrays, 3D-stacked, hybrid buttable CMOS detector technologies with performance of superlattice (SL) doping and delta doping (i.e., 2D-doping) processes and integrated, multilayer antireflection (AR) coatings and visible rejection filters. Using LUVOIR-HDI and LUMOS-NUV as guiding requirements, we will demonstrate and develop 2D-doped, low noise scientific CMOS detector arrays with integrated multilayer coatings for broadband NUV-NIR response as well as for the NUV range. Key performance parameters to be addressed include QE, PRNU, and noise. Additionally, these detectors will be evaluated for astrophysics applications, e.g., precision photometry and astrometry using JPL’s astronomical scene emulator. Our team comprises members with complementary expertise in materials, detectors, characterization, instruments, and observational science. Multiple members of our team were involved in the LUVOIR STDT and design team and have first-hand understanding of the requirements of LUVOIR and the TCOR technology gap. Furthermore, this development paves the way for demonstration and TRL advancement through suborbital flights.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk. NASA does not require a data management plan for proposals to SAT.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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