Development of Skipper CCDs for Robust Single-Photon Measurements in Future NASA Missions

The 2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics (Astro2020) identifies several compelling scientific opportunities that require ultra-low-noise detectors operating at ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) wavelengths. Foremost among these is the search for signatures of life on planets outside the solar system through direct imaging and spectroscopy of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of solar-type stars. This ambitious goal drives the highest ranked mission in Astro2020, a large infrared/optical/ultraviolet (IR/O/UV) space telescope. However, no specific detector technology has been identified that can provide single-photon counting with high quantum efficiency (QE), large dynamic range, linear response, and tolerance to the harsh space radiation environment over the duration of plausible mission lifetimes. We propose a comprehensive program to advance the technology readiness of silicon Skipper CCDs for ultra-low-noise measurements in space. Skipper CCDs use a floating-gate amplifier coupled with a low-capacitance sense node to achieve deeply sub-electron readout noise through multiple, non-destructive measurements of the charge in detector pixels. Our group has recently demonstrated that Skipper CCDs can achieve readout noise of < 0.05 e- rms/pix at optical and near-IR wavelengths (~400nm to ~1.1um). Since this ultra-low-noise capability is achieved through a relatively minor modification to the CCD readout structure, Skipper CCDs are expected to retain the well-studied characteristics of thick, fully depleted, p-channel CCDs: high QE at visible and near-IR wavelengths, excellent linear response over a large dynamic range, extremely low dark current and clock-induced charge, and excellent radiation tolerance. However, to date, Skipper CCDs have not been demonstrated for astronomical applications. In collaboration with Fermilab and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, we propose to demonstrate the performance of Skipper CCDs for future space-based astrophysics missions. We will utilize recently fabricated Skipper CCD detectors and readout electronics to provide a cost-effective demonstration of this novel detector technology. Our project has the following specific goals: (1) Verify the radiation tolerance of Skipper CCDs through exposure to high particle rates at the Fermilab Irradiation Test Area. (2) Explore hardware, firmware, and software strategies to perform faster detector readout. (3) Study backgrounds that are intrinsic to silicon detectors operating in the single-photon regime to assess unforeseen risks to future space missions. (4) Demonstrate the performance of Skipper CCDs for astronomical observations using the 4.1-m SOAR Telescope. This project will expose Skipper CCDs to the full complexity of astronomical observing scenarios including readout modes that would be used in space. This experimental demonstration of critical function and science performance will advance Skipper CCDs to technology readiness level (TRL) 5. Together with other work at Fermilab and NASA Goddard, this project is a stepping stone toward achieving TRL 6 prior to the start of mission formulation.

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.