Jake Connors
Physicist
- Ph.D. (2018) • Physics • Harvard University
- M.Sc. (2013) • Physics • Harvard University
- BSc. (2011) • Physics • Ohio State University
- Physicist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
- Development of novel technologies in the application of cryogenic detectors for the ultra-sensitive detection of microwave through Far-IR radiation
At the top of the image is a top-down view of a transition edge sensor bolometer design for use in the Far-Infrared. The bolometer uses novel phononic filtering to reduce the fundamental noise of the detector. At the bottom of the image are views of a cryogenic variable-temperature blackbody calibrator, used to illuminate and measure the optical efficiency of bolometric detectors. Both the blackbody calibrator and detector are operated below 0.1K, just barely above absolute zero temperature.
- Ultra-low noise cryogenic detectors for astrophysics
- Techniques for compact sub-mm/FIR spectroscopy
- Materials metrology for microwave thru FIR optical elements, substrates and absorbers
- Applications of photonic and phononic structures to detector and microwave system design
- Leveraging advances in Quantum Computing for constructing novel astronomical detectors
- Deployment of these technologies aboard sub-orbital and orbital platforms for astrophysics
- Enabling future FIR astrophysics through the development of ultra-low noise detectors and high-resolving power dispersive optical elements
- Building a well-rounded research group where I can mentor young scientists and help build the next generation of astrophysicists
- Broaden my own knowledge and experience to better recognize and study disruptive technologies within astrophysics and related fields
- Lead FIR astrophysics forward as a community through the IR-STIG and enable young scientists from diverse backgrounds to meaningfully contribute to and steer the future of the field