CMOS Sensors for Soft X-Ray Detection

We propose to develop monolithic CMOS sensors for soft X-ray detection. Such sensors offer low power consumption and operation at ambient spacecraft temperatures. Further development of monolithic CMOS sensors including radiation-tolerant readout systems will enable their use in missions for X-ray imaging, spectroscopy, and polarimetry.

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.

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