Developing a non high voltage electron detector using magnetic deflection and a Charge-Coupled Device

Status: Completed

Start Date: 2014-10-01

End Date: 2016-09-01

Description:

We plan to characterize the response of a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) to electrons of different energies and to optimize the placement of a specific magnetic deflection system relative to the CCD for energy selection.

The main objective of the project is to advance a proof-of-concept electron spectrometer design that does not need any high voltage, which  represents technology maturation for risk reduction. The expected end goal of the project is to evaluate the performance characteristics of such a detector concept in order to better define the potential scientific uses.

Benefits:

 This project will benefit a planned sub-orbital mission, where a CCD based instrument could be used to measure auroral electron precipitation, and represents technology maturation for risk reduction. It also has the potential to benefit future satellite missions studying 
the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere.

Lead Organization: Goddard Space Flight Center