Development of a Drift-bar CZT Calorimeter with Good Energy Resolution for Gamma-ray Spectroscopy

We propose to develop, fabricate and test a three-dimensional, high-energy-resolution, high-efficiency calorimeter for photon energies 0.2 – 10 MeV, based on novel drift (Frisch-grid) bar CdZnTe (CZT) detectors recently developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). This calorimeter will have a position resolution of 0.1 – 0.5 mm along each of 3 axes depending on the incident photon energy, energy resolution of ∼1%, and capability of operating in ambient conditions. The drift-bar approach will allow the use of CZT detectors with poorer quality, which can significantly increase the yield of acceptable detectors and consequently reduce the cost. This technology represents a breakthrough, because it promises excellent performance with large area detectors at a reasonable cost. The proposed efforts will combine the strong expertise of the BNL team in CZT detectors with that of the GSFC team in the design of space instrumentation. The immediate application of this technology is in medium-energy gamma-ray telescopes (e.g. ComPair or ASTROGAM), whose high scientific potential has been emphasized by results at lower energies (Swift, NuSTAR) and higher energies (Fermi Large Area Telescope). In particular, the drift-grid CZT detector will enable a medium-energy gamma-ray instrument to: (1) provide incident photon energy measurement with high resolution, including the capability to measure cosmic nuclear lines; and (2)
 serve as a focal plane detector for Compton-scattered events to determine the direction and polarization of incident photons. 


The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground-based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

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.