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About

David Braun is a leading figure in the development of advanced instrumentation for planetary science and astronomy. His primary research areas include X-ray spectroscopy for in-situ planetary exploration and fiber-optic positioning systems for large ground-based telescopes. Braun’s most significant contribution is his leadership in the development of PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry), a micro-focus X-ray fluorescence spectrometer that flew on NASA’s Perseverance rover. The instrument’s design, detailed in his highly cited 2020 paper (135 citations), enables the high-resolution mapping of elemental chemistry in Martian rocks, directly supporting the mission’s search for ancient biosignatures. Earlier in his career, Braun made critical contributions to the Subaru Telescope’s Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS), where he helped develop the high-density Cobra fiber positioners. This work, published in 2012, solved the complex engineering challenge of positioning thousands of optical fibers with extreme precision, enabling PFS to conduct transformative surveys of dark energy, galaxy evolution, and galactic archaeology. Braun’s work uniquely bridges the gap between cutting-edge spaceflight hardware and ground-based astronomical instrumentation, demonstrating a rare ability to engineer solutions for the most demanding observational environments.