Materials and Process Development for Ultraviolet Detector Technologies

This NASA Postdoctoral Program opportunity focuses on the development of new technologies for ultraviolet (UV) instrumentation and systems. Successful candidates will utilize thin-film processing and nanoscale interface engineering methods to fabricate advanced detector technologies and optical components. Research within the UV detector technology team has largely focused on the use of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for band structure engineering and passivation of silicon-based photodetectors. The project involves wafer-scale processing and improving the space worthiness of MBE-passivated detectors, as well as atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes to engineer new coatings for advanced optics or detectors, including the customization of detector response over a broad wavelength range. The performance objectives are defined to meet the objectives of a variety of NASA research programs with the ultimate goal of flight instrument and mission infusion. The NASA Postdoctoral Program 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. During their NPP tenure, the Fellow will be expected to report research/technology developments through publication of first-author manuscripts, conference presentations and proceedings, and in internal team meetings and seminars.