Background
The leading trends for space plasma instruments include miniaturization, increased time resolution, simultaneous multiple energy and particle population measurements, increased angular acceptance, and reduced size, weight, and power (SWAP). Such instruments should fit small-sats and cube-sats for multi-satellite constellations, which can probe various space environments on multiple scales. Secondary electron emission surfaces (SEES), which are materials with high secondary electron emission efficiency, are considered as a method to extend the performance of space plasma instruments.
Approach
This project focused on the development and testing of SEES for ion and electron measurements in an application for space plasma instruments. Charged particle optics simulations were carried out for the electrostatic analyzer (ESA) design with a subsystem containing the SEES element. A magnetron sputtering system was configured for the SEES coating depositions, and the coatings were deposited by sputtering a target in pure Ar using DC and RF power sources. The SEES samples were tested for electron emission efficiency for experimental setups with and without ESA. The tests were performed for an ion beam up to 300 eV and an electron beam up to 1 keV.
Accomplishments
The SEES coating process for two different materials has been successfully established. The coating parameters were studied and optimized. The deposition process showed good stability and repeatability, which are considered the baseline for the ongoing and upcoming SEES needs. The beam tests inform about system requirements for future application of SEES in space plasma instruments.
Resulting Project Work
NASA awarded project NNH24ZDA001N-HTIDS: "A high geometric factor, 3D-Cylindrical and Tiny Spectrometer (3D-CATS) for fast plasma measurements on future missions".