AstroPix: Developing Silicon Pixel Detectors for Gamma-ray and Cosmic-ray Astrophysics

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

This technology advancement proposal will develop already mature Silicon (Si) technologies in ground-based detectors for use on space-based instruments. The particle physics community is developing monolithic (combined readout and detector medium) CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) Si pixel detectors with improved spatial resolution and lower power requirements per channel. We plan to leverage the expertise in the ground-based development of these high-spatial-resolution pixel detectors and optimize them for space-based future gamma-ray and cosmic-ray missions. The goal is to increase the technical readiness level (TRL) of monolithic CMOS Si pixel sensors from 4 to 5 enabling their use on future space-based gamma-ray and cosmic-ray missions supported by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey. The goals of this proposal are: 1) Acquire monolithic Silicon pixel detectors designed for the ground-based ATLAS experiment. For the first time, we will use these detectors to observe gamma-rays in the keV range to measure their performance. 2) Leverage our team's expertise to design a silicon pixel detector (AstroPix) based on the technology developed for the ATLAS experiment, but optimized for a medium energy gamma-ray telescope. The same technology will be suitable for multiple space-based applications. 3) Characterize, package and integrate the detectors for a beam-line test to demonstrate the ability to reconstruct gamma-ray events. 4) This technology will enable a suite of future missions from SmallSats to Probe scale. The science drivers encompass extreme astrophysics such as: 511 keV emission at the Galactic Center, nuclear lines in the Galaxy, and the prompt emission (Gamma-ray Bursts) from neutron star mergers

Benefits

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.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
Program	Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2019-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

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

Regina M Caputo — regina.caputo@nasa.gov
Carolyn A Kierans — carolyn.a.kierans@nasa.gov
David T Leisawitz — david.t.leisawitz@nasa.gov
Ivan Peric
Jacob R Smith — jacob.r.smith@nasa.gov
Jeremy S Perkins — jeremy.s.perkins@nasa.gov
Jessica Metcalfe
John W Mitchell — john.w.mitchell@nasa.gov
Julie E Mcenery — mcenery@milkyway.gsfc.nasa.gov
Mathieu Benoit

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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