SBIR Phase II: Novel Photosensor Technology-Enabling the IceCube Cosmic-Neutrino Experiment (South Pole) to Open a New Window on the Universe

这一小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目的更广泛/商业影响潜力是，通过启用超高能宇宙辐射、中微子、暗物质等探测器，允许在以前无法进入的规模上进行新一代超灵敏实验。此外，该技术还满足了社会需求，包括医学成像和核安全方面的进步。在医疗应用方面，同样的核心技术可以生产出高性价比的超灵敏全身医学扫描仪，用于对无症状人群进行新的预防性低剂量癌症筛查。对于核安全应用，这项技术可以实现对非法裂变材料和放射性材料的广泛和具有成本效益的检测。拟议中的项目将开发一种新的粒子探测器，最初设计用于宇宙中微子辐射。极端的环境要求改变现有的探测器技术，无论是在部件设计还是系统工程方面。需要在每个探测器单元中包装成对的改进型光电传感器。其他工程挑战包括高压电源架构以及光路。整个系统需要设计成在零下70摄氏度下运行。该项目将提供改装的光传感器、额外的组件和接口，以及进行原型测试。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader/commercial impact potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to allow for a new generation of ultrasensitive experiments on previously inaccessible scales by enabling detectors of ultrahigh energy cosmic radiation, neutrinos, dark matter and more. In addition, the technology addresses societal needs, including advancements in medical imaging and nuclear security. In the medical application, the same core technology can enable the production of cost-effective ultrasensitive whole-body-enclosing medical scanners for new preventive low-dose cancer screening of a symptom-free population. For nuclear security applications, this technology can enable widespread and cost-effective detection of illicit fissionable and radioactive materials. The proposed project will develop a novel particle detector, designed initially for cosmic neutrino radiation. The extreme environment calls for changes to existing detector technology, both in terms of component design and systems engineering. Pairs of modified photosensors will need to be packed into each detector unit. Other engineering challenges include the high-voltage supply architecture, as well as the optical path. The entire system needs to be engineered to operate at -70 degrees C. This project will deliver modified photosensors, additional components and interfaces, as well as conduct prototype testing.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.