Subnanosecond scintillation detector for high energy cosmic rays Project

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

The task objective is to develop a gamma ray scintillator technology with subnanosecond temporal resolution and the capability to withstand unprecedented rates and doses of high energy gamma radiation. This is a joint project with Caltech Prof. Dave Hitlin to detect BaF2 fast scintillation (τ ~ 0.9ns at λ ~ 220nm) while rejecting slow scintillation (τ ~ 650ns at λ ~ 330nm). We will also develop solar blind coatings using ALD technology for DUV bandpass filter.

Benefits

Applications in cosmic-ray astronomy and high energy physics instruments, muon detectors for planetary geology, and medical imaging.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF (JPL CIF)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2013-10-01
End date	2014-09-30

Project contacts

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

Michael E Hoenk — michael.e.hoenk@jpl.nasa.gov
Gayle R Robertson

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.

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.