Technology ChallengesJonas Zmuidzinas
Caltech
What are the challenges?
• Each mission concept is enabled by a diverse set of technologies• There are some overlaps, e.g., spacecraft-related
components
• But many are unique, e.g., detectors (X-ray to far-IR)
• The two largest challenges for all technologies:
•Time•Money
Boyle & Smith, 1969: the CCDNobel prize, 2009
Sky & Telescope, 1987
2002:HST ACS
2kx4k
+ computing & storage !
Delta-doped CCDs
• Atomic layer growth and doping to enhance UV quantum efficiency
• Invented in response to problems with UV response of HST CCDs• Hoenk+, APL 1992
• Used in FIREBALL balloon payload
• Baselined for LUVOIR and HabEx, …
SIS receivers enable ALMA1979-2011
1979, CaltechTom Phillips
ALMA
Receiver cartridges
ALMA receiver
MKIDS, 1999-2019
Bezos/MARS: Machine
learning, Automation,
Robotics, and Space
Ben’s briefing baffles Bezos’ buddies
Turing award, 2019
Yann LeCun Geoffrey Hinton Yoshua Bengio
PhD 1977Edinburgh
Deep learning / GPUsHinton’s citation record1984-2019
Hinton & PhD advisor: ``We met once a week. Sometimes it ended in a shouting match, sometimes not.’’
NY Times, 3/27/2019
Summary
• (LIGO example)
• Technology takes time
• Technology takes money
• Support for technology development is essential for the future of astrophysics