Development of a Radiation Hardened CZT Sensor Array and 1U CubeSat Flight Test (>TRL 6)

Instruments employing X-ray, gamma ray and particle detection are utilized in different sectors from medicine to industry and from basic to applied science. The solid-state detector array with detection ASIC is the primary technology of space-based high-energy astronomy missions that are managed by NASA in partnership with the international community1,2. A readout integrated circuitry (ROIC) specifically designed for photon resolving X-ray detection has been developed by Black Forest Engineering on prior NASA SBIR funding3. The BFE322 ROIC, bump bonded to a CdZnTe (CZT) 16x32 detector array, demonstrated single photon sensitivity, accurate X-ray energy determination, X-ray event time stamping, and low power dissipation (500 kRad radiation tolerance. The Phase I design will be a 32x32 pixel format with 600 �m pixel pitch compatible with CZT and silicon detector arrays. The ROIC will be fabricated and hybridized to CZT on Phase II and demonstrated using a PocketQube or CubeSat mini-satellite test flight to establish a TRL> 6.

Direct detection of x-rays from 0.5-600 keV and gamma ray/particles in a radiation environment is required in future NASA missions. A radiation hard ASIC readout bump bonded to CZT/Si-PIN detectors will provide low noise and low power detection in space base missions.

Rad hard direct detection sensor arrays are needed in medical X-ray imaging and non destructive material analysis. Very low noise readout is required in many photon sensing technologies.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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