Technology

Long wavelength direct detectors such as large arrays of sensitive bolometers, kinetic inductance detectors, and quantum capacitance detectors covering from mm- to submm-wave to far-infrared wavelengths will be flown on cosmology and galactic/stellar evolution missions. They are used to map distribution of constituents of the universe and its evolution.

TeraHertz heterodyne radiometers such as arrays of mixers, local oscillators, and amplifiers operating from cm- to submm-wavelengths provide very high spectral resolution for missions measuring the dynamics of the intergalactic and interstellar medium. They also allow for “following the water trail” to Earth and other Earth-like planets.

UV detectors, such as delta-doped charge-coupled devices (CCD), electron-multiplying CCDs, and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) arrays with tuned anti-reflection and rejection coatings, are used on multiple exoplanet and galactic/star formation missions. UV wavelengths can identify various atoms and molecules that trace the distribution of matter and elucidate the chemistry of the intergalactic/stellar medium and exoplanet atmospheres.

Gratings, micromachined for high-efficiency spectral resolution, will be used on optical and UV missions to isolate and identify atoms and molecules.

Cold active telescopes with wavefront sensing and control, operating from 4K to 300K with diameters of 1 m and up at wavelengths from submm to UV, will provide the best sensitivity for cold long wavelength detectors. These are critical for cosmology and galactic/stellar evolution missions

Photonics has the potential to greatly reduce optics size while maximizing efficiency for spectrometers, coronagraphs, and other optics processing.

Coronagraphs enable direct imaging of exoplanets by blocking light from the parent star. They are located between the telescope and the detector in a compact configuration. The Roman Coronagraph Instrument, a technology demonstration, is currently in implementation for launch in 2025.

Starshades enable direct imaging of exoplanets by blocking light from the parent star. A starshade is located in front of the telescope on a free-flying spacecraft.

Radial velocity techniques, including active optics-fed laser combs and efficient diffraction gratings, enable ground-based indirect observations of near Earth-like exoplanets. NASA has initiated a program to mature these technologies.

Data analysis techniques, such as combining dark energy data from multiple data sets and including intensity mapping of HI, CO, and CII surveys, enable cosmology missions, among others.

Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) have the potential to significantly reduce mass and volume of deformable mirror and active optics drive electronics, thus lending themselves to use on smaller class missions.