Antenna-Coupled MIR/FIR Detectors for High Sensitivity Applications

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 2)

Description

This is an effort to develop antenna-coupled detectors for mid- and far- infrared high sensitivity astrophysics applications. The effort will unite multiple relevant technology achievements to extend this detector technology to higher frequencies and more sensitive detectors.

Benefits

Improved sensitivity and greater spectral coverage for mid-infrared and far-infrared detectors suitable for the faint signals in low-background space-based astrophysics instruments.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2023-10-01
End date	2025-09-30

Project contacts

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

Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Thomas R Stevenson — thomas.r.stevenson@nasa.gov
Alan J Kogut — alan.j.kogut@nasa.gov
Archana M Devasia — archana.m.devasia@nasa.gov
Ari D Brown — ari.d.brown@nasa.gov
Carolyn G Volpert — c.g.volpert@nasa.gov
Christine A Jhabvala — christine.a.jhabvala@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
Emily M Barrentine — emily.m.barrentine@nasa.gov
Eric R Switzer — eric.r.switzer@nasa.gov
James A Chervenak — james.a.chervenak@nasa.gov
Jason Glenn — jason.glenn@nasa.gov
John E Sadleir — john.e.sadleir@nasa.gov
Kevin L Denis — kevin.l.denis@nasa.gov
Larry A Hess — larry.a.hess@nasa.gov
Manuel A Quijada — manuel.a.quijada@nasa.gov
Natalie S Denigris — n.s.denigris@nasa.gov
Negar Ehsan — negar.ehsan@nasa.gov
Nicholas F Cothard — nicholas.f.cothard@nasa.gov
Peter C Nagler — peter.c.nagler@nasa.gov
Rachel B Borrelli — rachel.b.borrelli@nasa.gov
Thomas M Essinger-hileman — thomas.m.essinger-hileman@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.