Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The 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.

Description:

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) technology for applications in exoplanet transit spectroscopy, deep-space laser communication, and quantum optics. Our research group is focused on advancing the performance of these detectors in every metric, including efficiency at mid-infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, active area, timing resolution, maximum count rate, dark count rate, and pixel count. The ideal candidate would have experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) superconducting detector characterization and testing, (2) device nanofabrication, (3) development of detector readout electronics, and (4) design and implementation of cryogenic detector instruments in field applications.

References:

F. Marsili et al, Nature Photonics 7, 210 (2013)

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

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org