← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Our understanding of exoplanets has advanced dramatically in the past two decades with the introduction of new planetary detection techniques. Most recently, the direct imaging approach has made possible the spectral characterization of planets orbiting nearby stars. This capability opens the door for detecting traces of life in their atmospheres and has been targeted as a major goal in NASA's 30-year strategic vision. Already many space-based telescopes have been proposed to accomplish this task. However, to characterize the atmosphere around a potential exo-earth, current detector performance must be improved. Microwave kinetic inductance detectors are one of the most promising new detectors that could meet this performance challenge in the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum. They have an advantage over other low temperature detector technologies as they are innately easy to multiplex and can be fabricated into large arrays. I propose to improve the MKID energy resolution and quantum efficiency so that these detectors will meet the specifications required for a space-based exoplanet spectroscopy mission.
This research will improve the MKID energy resolution and quantum efficiency so that these detectors will meet the specifications required for a space-based exoplanet spectroscopy mission. This capability opens the door for detecting traces of life on exoplanets.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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.