Development of Next-generation Multi-spectral IR/far-IR Radiometers using Thermopile Arrays for Space Applications

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0105-NPP-JUL24-JPL-EarthSci
Application Deadline
7/1/2024 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
One of JPL’s most important and successful product line instruments is the remote-sensing
multi-spectral IR/far-IR radiometer using uncooled thermopiles arrays. Such instruments have
been selected for Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MCS), Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (Diviner)
and ExoMars 2016 (EMCS). Additionally, it will be proposed for several future New Frontier
(e.g. Trojan Tour & Rendezvous) and Discovery missions and a concept has been submitted for
the model payload of the Reconnaissance Package on the Europa Clipper mission. It has also
been identified as a critical tool to perform global and long-term observations of Earth’s climate.
Therefore, our team is actively pursuing flights of this class of instrument on various platforms
including the International Space Station, CubeSats, and A-Train satellites.

The enabling technology for this radiometer is the uncooled thermopile arrays developed at JPL.
To date, JPL’s thermopile arrays are comprised of relatively large pixels (240×480 square
microns) with a modest format size (21×6 elements). By developing new larger format arrays
with smaller pixels, it is possible to field radiometers with 1000s of pixels. These new
radiometers will be compact due to the small uncooled pixels and will have retain adequate
sensitivity and spatial/spectral resolution for future Earth, planetary and small bodies missions.

The details of the architecture and functionality of these new radiometers is currently under
study and we are seeking postdoctoral researchers to assist in all phases of the design,
fabrication, integration, and testing of the various components of these new instruments. Our
team is particularly focused on the development of new focal plane assemblies (FPAs) and the
integration of these FPAs into novel filter and grating optical systems. We are seeking a
researcher who can work well in a dynamic team of scientists, instrumentalists, and
technologists to develop radiometers optimized for various space applications.

 

Location:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California
Field of Science:Earth Science
Advisors:
Brian J. Drouin
[email protected]
818-393-6259

 

 

 

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control .

 

 

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• 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

This opportunity may require the following: 1- Mandatory drug testing; 2-Random drug testing; 3- Testing prior to initiation of fellowship appointment.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.