Title :
Low-Energy Electron and Proton Satellite Instrumentation for Auroral Studies
Author :
Reagan, J.B. ; Carr, D.L. ; McDaniel, J.D. ; Sanders, T.C.
Author_Institution :
Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory Lockheed Missiles & Space Company Palo Alto, California
Abstract :
Several instruments employing variable-energy electrostatic thresholds and post-acceleration techniques in conjunction with plastic scintillator-photomultiplier detectors have been successfully used in a satellite experiment to measure low-energy electrons and protons in the auroral regions. A description of these instruments, which were designed to measure electrons in the energy range of 0.015 to 10.0 keV with detection sensitivities as high as 4 x 10-4 erg/cm2-sec-sr and protons in the energy range of 0.20 to 10.0 keV with detection sensitivities of 6 x 10-3erg/cm2-sec-sr, is given. A discussion of the procedures employed in the laboratory calibration of these instruments is presented. In-flight calibration techniques involving both radioactive sources and programmable Ga-P light diodes are also described. The performance of the instruments during two satellite flights in November, 1963, and November, 1965, is illustrated by the presentation of some typical data.
Keywords :
Calibration; Detectors; Electrons; Electrostatic measurements; Energy measurement; Instruments; Laboratories; Plastics; Protons; Satellite broadcasting;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNS.1967.4324394