Center for detectors achieves major breakthrough in developing advanced imaging technology for NASA-funded space exploration project

Rochester, New York – The relentless efforts of the Center for Detectors (CfD) have paid off as the team successfully captured its first image using a single-photon imaging detector. This marks a significant milestone in a NASA-funded project that aims to develop cutting-edge technology for space exploration.

For more than a year, an interdisciplinary team has been hard at work advancing and evaluating single-photon sensing CMOS image sensors. The goal is to determine whether these sensors can withstand the intense radiation conditions of space, a crucial requirement for NASA’s future missions. The recent successful image capture is a major step forward, demonstrating that the technology is progressing in the right direction.

A Step Toward Discovering Alien Life

“We are developing technology to detect alien life in the universe,” said center Director Don Figer. “Our work supports the biggest future NASA space telescope mission, the Habitable Worlds Observatory. For this project, NASA gave us $2.5 million through the Science Mission Directorate and the Space Technology Mission Directorate.”

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This project has the potential to revolutionize space exploration. In deep space, light signals are faint and scarce, making advanced sensors critical for detecting exoplanets and potential signs of extraterrestrial life. The team’s work could directly impact the next generation of space telescopes, improving their ability to capture distant, low-light phenomena.

Pushing Technology to Its Limits

Building such a highly sensitive sensor requires expertise across multiple disciplines, including software development, optics, mechanical engineering, thermal design, and electrical engineering. The Center for Detectors brings together specialists from various fields to collaborate on this ambitious undertaking.

“NASA needs to know how well a detector works before they can use it in a future mission,” said engineer Justin Gallagher ’20 (physics), ’20 MS (astrophysics and technology). “To measure the presence of life on other planets, detectors in future missions may only receive a few photons of light per hour. We want to show that these new sensors can maintain this extreme sensitivity while exposed to the harsh radiation conditions in space.”

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Ensuring that these detectors remain functional in space is a critical challenge. Radiation exposure can degrade sensor performance over time, and this research aims to find ways to extend their lifespan. If successful, these advancements could shape the future of NASA’s search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the technical breakthroughs, this project is also shaping careers. One of the youngest members of the team, third-year computer engineering student Anthony Doan, found his passion for space technology through his work at the Center for Detectors. Doan, who joined the project through a co-op, played a key role in developing software that converts sensor data into images.

“Going in to this co-op, I was unsure of what I liked, what I didn’t like,” said Doan. “This job was my first experience where I applied something that I learned in class and actually used it in the work. It’s been amazing. I feel like I found my career path with this.”

Doan’s experience highlights the broader impact of the project—helping young engineers and scientists gain hands-on experience that could define their futures. The work being done at the Center for Detectors isn’t just about improving technology; it’s about building the next generation of innovators who will push the boundaries of space exploration.

What’s Next?

With this critical milestone achieved, the team at CfD is now focused on further refining the technology. The next steps involve extensive testing to ensure the sensors can function reliably in space-like conditions. If the sensors continue to perform well, they could become a key component of future NASA missions.

As the project progresses, the Center for Detectors continues to solidify its role as a leader in space imaging technology. Their work brings humanity one step closer to answering some of the biggest questions about life beyond Earth.