Far-Infrared Laser Spectroscopy and Spectro-radiometry

Overview

The Far-InfraRed Virtually Imaged Radiometry [FIRVIR] project at NIST is designing, building, and
characterizing dispersive spectrometers and detector arrays to establish an SI-traceable basis for far-
infrared spectro-radiometry. The goal of the project is to develop a compact platform for far-IR sensing,
compatible with SmallSat/CubeSat missions. Work will include the design of critical spectrometer
elements, spectrometer assembly, and the application of far-infrared lasers and optical frequency
combs to the precision analysis of spectrometer dispersion and resolving power. Success will require the
acquisition and/or application of spectral reference data in order to perform wavelength calibration of
spectrometers from 4 µm to 100 µm. Further work will include operating cryogenic systems, performing
spectro-radiometer calibrations, and working with infrared blackbody sources and infrared detector
arrays to establish traceability.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optical Sciences and Engineering, or a related field.
• <5 years of relevant post-PhD experience.
• Demonstrated experience with design, alignment, and assembly of opto-mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience performing spectral and/or imaging optical measurements, preferably with optical frequency comb lasers and high-resolution molecular spectroscopy in the infrared.
• Ability to control, operate and automate scientific test equipment and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with design and simulation tools like SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or similar.
• Familiarity with the programming languages Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Optical design and characterization of dispersive spectrometers.
• Opto-mechanical design and testing of vacuum spectro-radiometer components.
• Operation of far-infrared lasers and laser frequency combs.
• Measurements of spectrometer throughput using various light sources and detector arrays.
• Analyzing data on spectrometer and spectro-radiometer performance.
• Acquiring and/or interpreting data from molecular spectroscopy.
• Present results at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.