Space Instrumentation and System Engineering (ISR-4)

ISR-4 is a science and engineering group that develops custom sensors, instruments, and systems for applications requiring advanced detection, monitoring, or assessment technologies. ISR-4 research and development emphasizes high-quality, reliable instruments with long-lasting lifetimes for operations in high-radiation, low-to-high temperature/pressure, or caustic-fluids environments. In the last 15 years, ISR-4 has successfully developed more than 400 instruments and systems from concept to completion.

ISR-4 capabilities include a broad spectrum of disciplines. An integrated engineering approach allows close interactions between scientists and engineers to achieve our project goals. ISR-4 personnel have experience in optics, solid-state physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, fabrication, assembly, qualification testing, and post-delivery operations.

ISR-4 electrical engineering capabilities include digital design using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS); microprocessor and various gluelogic families; high-speed, low-noise analog circuits; and microminiature mature packaging technologies for optimal speed, noise, and power-consumption performance.

The mechanical engineering staff at ISR-4 develops lightweight and stable structures for applications from deep space to deep within Earth's interior, operating under severe environmental conditions. The design process includes appropriate structural and thermal analyses and tests to validate the integrity and survivability of the system.

Optical engineering expertise includes the design, specification, and layout of optical elements for photonic systems dealing in wavelengths from ultraviolet light through long-wave infrared light, development of system alignment techniques and fixtures, and calibration and alignment instrumentation to verify optical system performance.

A high-speed network of computer-aided design terminals and software supports the group's technical infrastructure. This network efficiently integrates and applies modeling, simulation, analysis, and design during the development process.

Technicians provide support during all phases of instrument and system development, including laboratory testing of concepts and designs, fabrication, assembly, characterizations and calibration, final acceptance testing, and in situ operation. Technical capabilities include electronics design, electronics and mechanical fabrication, assembly and testing, environmental coatings, vacuum coatings, and optical assembly, alignment, and characterization testing.