Quantum Sensing for Aerospace Material Evaluation

Quantum Sensing for Aerospace Material Evaluation

Project Overview:
As NASA prepares for a sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars, developing advanced, highly sensitive instruments capable of operating and surviving in harsh environments is critical. This internship involves the development of a quantum sensing-based measurement system using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center diamonds for materials evaluation.

Intern Responsibilities:
The intern will work closely with the project team to develop and test this NV diamond-based measurement system. Depending on the student's background, duties may include:

System Development: Assisting in the design and construction of a configurable breadboard testing system, incorporating NV diamond components, optical elements, lasers/LEDs, and imaging cameras.
Testing & Validation: Conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate the sensor's sensitivity and optimize spatial resolution for samples of interest.
Data Processing and Analysis: Processing and analyzing experimental data to help the team evaluate system performance and refine sensing capabilities.
Reporting: Assist in drafting and finalizing reports for internal and external distribution.

Desired Majors:
Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related STEM field.

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

Hands-on laboratory or modeling (ray-tracing) experience related to building or testing experimental optical setups.
Familiarity with optics, lasers, cameras, or related instrumentation is highly desired.
Basic understanding of electromagnetism and applied physics.
Specific knowledge or experience with quantum sensors.
Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to work collaboratively in a research lab environment.
Experience with programming related to instrument development, especially at the breadboard stage (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or C++).

**Eligible Applicants:** Student
**Academic Level:** Undergraduate Freshman, Undergraduate Sophomore, Undergraduate Junior, Undergraduate Senior, Graduate Master's, Graduate Doctoral
**Activity Type:** In-person
**Citizenship:** US Citizen Only
**Type:** Internships