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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
We will develop superconducting, high kinetic inductance thin films, whose applications include far-infrared phase tuners, microwave kinetic inductance detectors, low loss transmission lines, and Nyquist inductors for multiplexed cryogenic detector readout. These components are critical enabling technologies, which will both elevate the technology readiness level and increase the science derivatives of future Astrophysics instruments like Microspec, ATHENA, and DIOS.
This project may benefit a space-borne mission like SPICA by enabling the realization of compact, high spectral resolution, spectrometers (Microspec). Current budget constraints have ruled out NASA participation in SPICA, set to launch in 2026, at the level as a science mission. However, major changes in schedule and European involvement may allow greater US participation in the SPICA science program. This project also has immediate impact on a number of other proposed sub-millimeter instruments: For lumped element kinetic inductance detectors for the Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology (QUBIC) 97, 150, and 220 GHz ground-based modules and the MKIDs for the Spectroscopic Terahertz Airborne Receiver for Far-InfraRed Exploration. For X-ray astrophysics, we may be able to employ high kinetic inductance materials for multiplexed readout boards for large-format focal plane calorimeter arrays (e.g., the x-IFU on ATHENA).
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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