Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector Arrays

OrganizationNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)Reference Code0066-NPP-NOV26-JPL-AstrophysDescriptionThe 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.We are developing Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) for long‑wavelength astrophysics imaging and spectroscopy. Three research efforts are available:Commissioning, completion of the focal plane, and science with a multicolor MKID‑based mm/submm camera for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. This is the first major astronomical instrument using MKIDs, with antenna coupling and photolithographic band‑pass filters that enable four spectral bands per pixel covering a 14′ FoV with 600 pixels.Development of MKIDs for FIR/short‑submm imaging and spectroscopy. Titanium nitride and other advanced materials are used to create absorber‑coupled MKIDs with background‑limited sensitivity; proof‑of‑principle tests demonstrate performance in these applications.Development of a parametric amplifier using niobium titanium nitride that could achieve quantum‑limited performance from GHz to THz frequencies.LocationJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CaliforniaField of ScienceAstrophysicsAdvisorsPeter DayPeter.K.Day@jpl.nasa.gov818‑354‑9356Eligibility RequirementsAll candidates should meet the following:Doctoral degreeApplications will only be accepted from the following groups:U.S. CitizensU.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa statusApplicants 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 statusApplications with citizens from designated countries will not be accepted at this time unless they are legal permanent residents of the United States (see https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control for a complete list of designated countries). #J-18808-Ljbffr