Radiation hardness study of superconducting detectors and electronics

Often, electronics and sensors that operate well on earth cannot operate in space due to damage from the high levels of unavoidable radiation that exists there. Radiation shielding can be used to protect humans and some electronics, but sensors often must be exposed to the outside environment, and thus cannot be shielded. The ability of a sensor or electronic element to operate despite exposure to radiation is referred to as its "hardness." One technology of great utility on earth, but so far not explored for use in space, is superconducting nanowire detectors and support electronics. Although superconducting nanowire sensors, supported by ultra-low-power and superconducting nanowire electronics, provide an extraordinary capability for optical sensing, their radiation hardness remains to be established. In this program, we study the effects of radiation on superconducting nanowire detectors and electronics and establish their viability for NASA science missions. We have two main objectives: (Objective 1) understanding and developing strategies to mitigate radiation-induced material damage, and (Objective 2) understanding and developing strategies to mitigate single-event upsets (or SEUs, which are errors induced by individual radiation exposure events). To achieve Objective 1, we will develop an understanding of whether realistic radiation-exposure doses seen in a 5-year space mission would degrade these devices. To achieve Objective 2, we will work to understand and mitigate single-event upsets in sensors and electronics (in sensors, these are known as false counts; in electronics, as bit errors). This work will ultimately enable future space missions encompassing environments ranging from low-earth orbit (LEO) to the interstellar medium.

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.