Far-Infrared Detectors for Space-Based Low-Background Astronomy

About the role

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description

The next generation of space-based far-IR astronomical telescopes require ultra-low noise detectors for background-limited observations with cooled optics. Detectors arrays with tens of thousands of pixels spanning the 20 - 600 µm waveband and having high optical coupling efficiency will be needed to support this vision. A detector technology has yet to be identified that can meet these requirements, which would enable revolutionary science from a future space mission such as a far-IR Probe as recommended by the 2020 Decadal Survey. We address this technology gap with focused development programs in absorber-coupled transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. The successful candidate will contribute to a multi-disciplinary research effort that encompasses the development of astronomical focal plane instrumentation, frequency selective electromagnetic coupling structures (photonics), superconducting detectors, as well as coherent (phononic) and non-coherent (thermal) phonon transport at low temperatures. These and other related methods are used to reduce dark noise, and increase detector coupling efficiency, detection bandwidth, and array multiplexing factor.

We also have a focused effort to increase the energy-resolution of Near-IR Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) for ultra-low-background observations of exoplanet atmospheres. The KID is a promising technology that is effectively immune to the effects of particle radiation and thermal drift in a spacecraft.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Karwan Rostem
karwan.rostem@nasa.gov
(301) 286-0308

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Benefits

Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Contact

Please email npp@orau.org for questions about this opportunity.