Toward Fine Strip Pitch Germanium Detectors in Space

Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)

Description

Place Germanium detectors (GeDs) in a few-MeV γ-ray Compton instrument on a satellite will enable unprecedented insight into nuclear astrophysics, key multimessenger synergies, including with X-rays and gravitational waves, and new heliophysics applications. GeDs, now demonstrating ~100x improvement in measurement capabilities, require a low noise cryocooler system with sufficient thermal control for operation in space. We will develop and characterize such a cryocooler system using low cost, commercial parts now available.

Benefits

This project will benefit high energy and multimessenger astrophysics by allowing increased detector performance. The cryocooler activities may also prove a resource for detectors at other wavelengths, such as infrared.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Cryogenic/Thermal Systems
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2017-10-01
End date	2019-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Theresa J Brandt — t.j.brandt@nasa.gov
Albert Y Shih — albert.y.shih@nasa.gov
Ian S Banks — stuart.banks@nasa.gov
Jentung Ku — jentung.ku-1@nasa.gov
John A Tomsick
Omar R Quinones — omar.r.quinones@nasa.gov
Steven E Boggs

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.