Spectroscopic Lidars for Planetary and Earth Science Remote Sensing

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. This specific opportunity seeks researchers who enjoy working at the union of science and technology to help bridge the gap between idea and reality. The project focuses on developing and testing next-generation laser-based sensors and instruments for future planetary science applications, specifically spectroscopic lidars for both planetary and Earth science remote sensing. The research involves developing prototype instrumentation and spaceflight hardware for potential mission concepts. With multiple lasers at pivotal wavelengths, a lidar can be used as a spectrometer to map volatiles on planetary surfaces or trace gases in the atmosphere under uniform lighting conditions, during both day and night. These instruments will measure from orbiters, landers, rovers, or via Artemis astronauts to quantify surface volatiles on the Moon or other airless bodies as well as biogenic and chemically relevant trace gases in the atmospheres of Earth and Mars. The opportunity includes hands-on evaluation of state-of-the-art sensors and detectors in the lab, integration of detectors with existing proven trace gas lidar systems, study of trace gas spectroscopy to select optimal gas absorption lines, field-testing to remote targets, and analyzing and presenting measurement results. Fellows will work to test and characterize laser transmitter and receiver components in existing prototype instruments for future planetary and Earth missions, with plans to use newly available HgCdTe avalanche photodiodes to extend wavelength range to 4400 nm. This one- to three-year competitive fellowship is designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. Fellows will have the opportunity to learn the entire process of instrument development for spaceflight, from concept to prototype to flight build and qualification to operation in space.