Ultra-Low Noise Bolometric Detectors for Mid- to Far-IR Space Observatories

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

The aim of this work is to design, fabricate, and characterize cryogenic bolometers that have superconducting thermal isolation legs. .

Benefits

The unique architecture offers several advantages over conventional pixel designs. Specifically, the advantages include:

Decoupling of the thermal isolation legs from the backshort, which reduces the tolerance challenges encountered in short wavelength absorber coupled bolometer implementations.
Lower thermal conductance, which equates to lower noise equivalent power.
Increased detector uniformity.

These attributes are essential for applications requiring ultra-sensitive photon detection in the mid- to far-infrared spectral regimes like surveillance.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2018-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

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

David H Richardson — david.h.richardson@nasa.gov
Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Ari D Brown — ari.d.brown@nasa.gov
Archana M Devasia — archana.m.devasia@nasa.gov
Edward J Wollack — edward.j.wollack@nasa.gov
Johannes G Staguhn — johannes.g.staguhn@nasa.gov
Karwan Rostem — karwan.rostem@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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