Silicon Microchannel Plate Large Area UV Detector, Phase II

To address the NASA need for high-quantum-efficiency, high-resolution, low-cost photodetectors for the far-UV spectral range, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Silicon Microchannel Plate-based Large Area UV detector (UV-Si-MCP) with a highly efficient, negative electron affinity (NEA), solar-blind AlGaN photocathode fabricated directly on the surface of a silicon-based microchannel substrate. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the feasibility of fabrication of the AlGaN photocathode on the MCP structure, and developed the technology for fabrication of the entire device that meets NASA specifications for the area of sensitivity, quantum efficiency, and spatial resolution. In Phase II, POC will develop a fully functional prototype with a large number of channels and high quantum efficiency, assembled with NASA active pixel readout electronics. This efficient and radiation-hard UV photodetector with low background noise will offer NASA capabilities to improve sensitivity and spatial or spectral resolution of UV instruments for several missions devoted to a better understanding of the origin of the universe and its evolution to modern form.

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.

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