About Rauscher Scientific

We provide independent, high-level scientific and technical support for state-of-the-art infrared through visible wavelength detector systems. We support projects ranging from major government programs to focused research projects—from initial proposal preparation through implementation and data calibration & analysis. Dr. Rauscher is active in instrumentation and other research, bridging the gap between deep understanding of detector physics and delivering systems that meet demanding performance requirements with margin.

Core Competencies

  • Architecture & Optimization: Design of low-background IR instruments. Expert in HgCdTe H2RG and H4RG based instruments and associated signal chains and calibration pipelines.

  • Calibration Science: Definition of high-fidelity calibration suites and development of noise-mitigation algorithms used by JWST and Roman Space Telescopes (IRS², IRRC).

  • System Diagnostics: Root-cause analysis of performance anomalies in flight and ground-based systems operating under intense programmatic constraints.

  • Technology Maturation: Guiding focal plane architectures through high-risk transitions from laboratory prototypes (TRL 3) to flight-qualified reality (TRL 6).

  • Crisis Resolution: Recovery of detector systems facing serious anomalies late in the project lifecycle. We provide independent diagnostic clarity for high-stakes Failure Review Boards (FRB), ensuring that remediation steps are based on rigorous physical principles.

Leadership & Heritage

Rauscher Scientific was founded by Dr. Bernard J. (Bernie) Rauscher, who has decades of experience in the design and integration of cryogenic sensors and electronic systems. Dr. Rauscher has led flight detector development teams for some of NASA's flagship astronomy observatories:

  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Served as Principal Investigator for the NIRSpec Detector Subsystem, guiding the effort from concept through flight delivery and scientific publications.

  • Roman Space Telescope: Served as Principal Investigator for the H4RG-10 detectors during their maturation and development from TRL4–TRL6. Served as senior Detector Scientist within the Roman Project.

  • International Expertise: Extensive experience working with the European Space Agency for JWST/NIRSpec and as a faculty member in the UK early in his career.

The Quantum Frontier

We prioritize achieving accurate, repeatable results for the world's most demanding sensing applications. By combining deep physical understanding with advanced statistical techniques, we help our partners succeed in fields including astrophysics and quantum-limited sensing.