Precision Spectroscopic Calibration and Next-Generation Millimeter-Wave Spectrometers

Pan-chromatic observations of the sky are key to disentangling a host of scientifically interesting signals and avoiding astrophysical systematics. These observations demand precisely calibrated bandpasses in order to extract meaningful cosmological data. My proposal consists of two major projects: first, I will design, develop and deploy a compact, low-aberration optical calibration system in order to reduce uncertainty in bandpass measurements to the sub-percent level. This will raise the TRL for future NASA balloon missions, enabling ultra-high precision measurements of spectral emission lines from high-redshift galaxies and of the Cosmic Microwave Background. Second, I will apply my calibration techniques to in-lab characterization of next-generation millimeter-wave spectrometers, which are a low-TRL technology. This characterization will be crucial to developing the next set of cosmology-focused NASA balloon and satellite missions. Finally, I will analyze data enabled by my calibration system in order to make the first-ever direct observations of extra-solar Oort clouds and to develop high-precision, foreground-separated CMB maps.

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.

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