Analysis of electron behaviour in polymeric films during electronic irradiation

Charges can appear on spacecraft surface via various processes including conduction, irradiation, ionisation and polarisation. The accumulation of charges can leads to the creation of an electric field that eventually prevents further charge storage. However, a spacecraft can only tolerate a limited range of electric potential and currents. In the present case, we are studying the electron behaviour in polymeric films such as Teflon® during electronic irradiation. This material is currently used in the space industry. Our aim is to get a better understanding on charge storage, conduction and relaxation during irradiation and also during the relaxation taking especially into account the effect of the electron beam energy, the irradiation time and the flux density. Results obtained from pulsed electro-acoustic, surface current and surface potential data are analysed and compared with theoretical data.