PIXIE Precision Technology Demonstration
Project Description
The Electro-Thermal Characterization of a Multi-Moded Bolometer characterize the electrical and thermal performance of large multi-moded bolometers for a new generation of far-infrared instrumentation. Multi-moded systems provide distinct advantages compared to current single-moded designs. By collecting more photons on each detector, multi-moded designs improve sensitivity by an order of magnitude. One multi-moded detector can thus replace 100 single-moded detectors, providing two orders of magnitude reduction in detector count while simplifying instrument design, integration, and testing.
The project work will test a far-IR detector with 30 times the absorbing area as the bolometers flown on the Planck mission. Multi-moded systems provide distinct advantages compared to current single-moded designs. By collecting more photons on each detector, multi-moded designs improve sensitivity by an order of magnitude. One multi-moded detector can thus replace 100 single-moded detectors, providing two orders of magnitude reduction in detector count while simplifying instrument design, integration, and testing.
Additionally, we will extend the detector capabilities to include the much higher optical loads encountered during use in stratospheric balloon payloads.
More »Anticipated Benefits
By reducing the number of detectors required for photon-limited applications, the multi-moded bolometer can decrease the cost of detector and readout systems by a factor of ten or more.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
