Welcome to the Microdevices Laboratory

Innovations at MDL by the Infrared Photonics Technology Group enable observations of our planet in specific infrared regions, as well as mapping of the world's ecosystems, defense, cloud structures, and natural disasters.

Advances generated at MDL will extend our vision to unprecedented sensitivities, enabling future discoveries and capabilities.

Researchers in submillimeter-wave advanced technology at JPL specialize in developing and implementing submillimeter-wave and terahertz remotesensing technologies for a variety of applications.

The possible detection of an imprint by inflation on the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) excited both astrophysicists and the general public around the world in March 2014 when BICEP2 published its results.

Over the last two decades, semiconductor lasers have improved in performance to above-room-temperature operation with high output power (tens of milliwatts), low power consumption (less than a watt), and cover a wide range of wavelengths. Due to these advancements, tunable laser spectrometers have become the instrument of choice for precise measurements of gas abundances and their isotope ratios in Earth and planetary gases, arising from either the atmosphere or evolving from rock pyrolysis.

The Microdevices Laboratory develops electron-beam lithography techniques to fabricate unique nanostructures and optics that enable JPL instruments to perform novel measurements and achieve unmatched performance.

At the most basic molecular level, all life on Earth is fundamentally the same, constructed from a relatively small set of chemical building blocks. By analyzing the distributions of organic molecules on other worlds, we can search for patterns of these building blocks that can provide clues about the presence of extinct or extant life.

At the most basic molecular level, all life on Earth is fundamentally the same, constructed from a relatively small set of chemical building blocks. By analyzing the distributions of organic molecules on other worlds, we can search for patterns of these building blocks that can provide clues about the presence of extinct or extant life.

The past year has been the "delivery" year for nano and micro systems. This is the most satisfying aspect of applied research, where a new technology is nurtured from its conception to a field-test-ready product, or in some cases, a laboratory-proven product ready for the next bigger stage.

At the most basic molecular level, all life on Earth is fundamentally the same, constructed from a relatively small set of chemical building blocks. By analyzing the distributions of organic molecules on other worlds, we can search for patterns of these building blocks that can provide clues about the presence of extinct or extant life.

Microfabrication technologies under development at MDL continue to support NASA's mission to drive advances in science, technology, and exploration.

The sophisticated semiconductor processing that takes place in the MDL requires complex integrated building systems and equipment. These closely monitored state-of-the-art capabilities installed in ultraclean environments form the foundation of MDL's technical implementation and innovation.