A High-Performance Ultraviolet Photon Counting Detector for Strategic Astrophysics Missions

We propose to develop a transformative photon counting silicon detector with high efficiency in the ultraviolet (UV) and ultra-low noise properties. We will leverage the newly developed Skipper charge-coupled device (CCD) together with the high UV quantum efficiency of 2D doped (delta-doped) silicon detectors. The technology developed in the proposed effort will be responsive to the needs of future astrophysics flagship missions, combining low noise, large format, and high efficiency in a single, easy to manufacture and operate device. A Skipper CCD architecture uses a non-destructive readout amplifier to implement correlated multi-sampling, which effectively reduces the read noise by several orders of magnitude. Skipper CCDs have achieved an unprecedented noise level of 0.068 e- rms/pixel after 4000 samples per pixel, enabling single-photon sensitivity in the optical and near-infrared spectral range [Tiffenberg et al., PRL 119, 131802, 2017]. Resolving photon number with high precision at the pixel level is an enabling capability for precision astronomy and astrophysics. Our 2D-doping technology extends the spectral range of this detector into the far ultraviolet (and indeed EUV and soft X-ray), and enables unique stability of back-illuminated detectors in space radiation environments. The unique stability and precision of the proposed 2D-doped Skipper CCD addresses a key technology requirement for future detectors identified in the Astro2020 Decadal Survey for time-resolved astronomy. Developing Skipper CCDs photon counting capability is highly valuable in many fields but especially in studies of the ultra-faint and challenging parts of UV where members of our team specialize. These areas include determining habitability of worlds around other stars, understanding the underlying rules for star formation, measuring how a galaxy interacts with its gaseous halo environment, and mapping how primordial hydrogen enters a galaxy to create stars. Combined with the processes of 2D doping and detector-integrated filters to achieve high, stable, tailorable, and uniform UV response, the proposed photon counting detector will be a critical technology to develop for future large Flagship missions such as the 6-meter UVOIR Great Observatory recommended by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk.

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.