Radiation hardness study of superconducting detectors and electronics
Active Grant For Research Awarded Last action
- Contract number
- 80NSSC24K0277
- Awardee
-
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology UEI E2NYLCDML6V1
- Awarding agency
-
Shared Services Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Obligated
- $650,000
Award facts
- Contract value 100% obligated
- $650,000.00 Current and potential, with all options
- Completion date 92% complete
- Current and potential, with all options
- Contracting staff
- NAICS code
- Not on record
- PSC
- AJ11 General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
- Competition
- Full and Open Competition Basic Research
- Pricing
- Other
- Place of performance
- Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Award details come from SAM.gov/FPDS.
Transactions
| Action | Obligated | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Other Administrative Action | $0 | |
| Funding Only Action | $220,491 | |
| Funding Only Action | $215,448 | |
| Original award | $214,061 |
About this award
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been awarded a $650,000 civilian research grant to conduct a comprehensive study on the radiation hardness of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) and associated electronics. The project, which commenced on January 15, 2024, with completion targeted for January 21, 2027, addresses critical concerns regarding the long-term viability of these detector systems for space missions. The research is structured around two primary objectives: first, to validate the hypothesis that material damage from space radiation does not significantly alter the electrical or superconducting properties of niobium nitride (NbN)-based detectors by exposing them to 30-keV helium ion irradiation at doses exceeding expected space-mission levels; and second, to develop novel circuit architectures and post-processing strategies to mitigate single-event upsets (SEUs) in both detectors and readout electronics. The award carries no set-aside designation and falls under the civilian sector of federal funding.
The technical approach involves two complementary work streams designed to ensure the viability of superconducting detector technology for space applications. The initial phase will characterize the fundamental impact of radiation-induced material damage on NbN properties and detector sensitivity, testing the theoretical premise that these systems exhibit greater radiation robustness than conventional semiconductors. Should the primary hypothesis be disproven, physics-based damage mitigation strategies will be employed. The second phase will characterize SEU rates in the presence of radioactive sources and develop fabrication, architecture, and post-processing techniques to reduce SEU occurrences. The work will be performed at MIT's Cambridge, Massachusetts facility, leveraging the institution's extensive expertise in quantum systems, advanced materials, and space-related technology development.
Quick answers
Who was awarded contract 80NSSC24K0277?
80NSSC24K0277 was awarded to Massachusetts Institute Of Technology by Shared Services Center (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) on January 15, 2024.
How much is contract 80NSSC24K0277 worth?
The government has obligated $650,000 on 80NSSC24K0277.
Was contract 80NSSC24K0277 competed?
The extent of competition for 80NSSC24K0277 was full and open competition.
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