In-Situ space charge measurements on dielectrics during electronic irradiation by PEA

Material used is space environment are submitted to a large amount of charged particles. This work is focused on the effect of electrons on PolytetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE) that is commonly found in satellites pieces of equipment. To study the behavior of electrons during and post-irradiation we are mainly using the Pulse Electro Acoustic (PEA) technique in an open configuration. Measurements are performed between two periods of irradiation under vacuum. The space charge profiles obtained are analyzed to understand materials charging phenomena. In the present work we focus our studies on a discharge phenomenon that occurs as soon as the surface potential reaches a threshold value.