A Single Photon Sensing and Photon Number Resolving Detector for NASA Missions

The goal of the proposed project is to pave the way for single photon counting gigapixel focal planes through a CMOS detector characterization and redesign program that leverages exciting recent advancements pioneered by the proposing team. The detectors, dubbed the “Quanta Image Sensor,” was recently invented by Co-I Eric Fossum. We expect that device performance will match, or exceed, the performance level of existing state of the art detectors in metrics that are critical for NASA Astrophysics missions. This development program will give scientists extraordinary capabilities, enabling science programs that are not possible today. In the near term, the devices represent an excellent match between delivered performance and requirements for next generation large telescope missions. In addition to having ultra-low noise, they consume low power, are resilient against radiation, and operate as a digital focal plane, relieving many requirements for post-detector electronics. The key feature of the device that enables single photon counting is a high gain pixel design provided by pixels that have very small sense capacitance. The resulting gain per electron is much greater than the noise in the readout circuit. While initial development is for optical detectors, the basic architecture of the proposed technology can be directly extended to UV detectors using proven processes. The plan of work starts with a short functional characterization program at Dartmouth College using existing devices, followed by an extensive characterization program in the Center for Detectors at the Rochester Institute of Technology. We will measure performance at a large range of cryogenic temperatures in the laboratory, both before and after irradiation in a high energy proton beam, and also at a telescope. We believe that most of the performance characteristics that are relevant for such applications have already been established in this technology, but we will specifically test existing devices, and those with small modifications, for the most extreme demands of space Astrophysics missions. The testing will include read noise, dark current, quantum efficiency, intrapixel sensitivity, persistence, linearity, and radiation testing. We will investigate new data reduction and analysis schemes that are matched to the technology. Based on information from this program, Co-I Fossum will lead an effort to design a new version of the device. Output products of the proposed activity include simulations, designs, detectors, characterization data, and published papers in conference proceedings and refereed journals.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk. NASA does not require a data management plan for proposals to SAT.

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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