In:
Journal of Applied Physics, AIP Publishing, Vol. 112, No. 10 ( 2012-11-15)
Abstract:
In-situ measurements, the direct interception and analysis of dust particles by spacecraft-based instrumentation, provide insights into the dynamical, physical and chemical properties of cosmic dust. The most sensitive detection methods for dust particles in space are based on impact ionization. Laser ionization is used for the test, development, and calibration of impact ionization instruments and to complement laboratory based particle impact experiments. A typical setup uses a 355 nm Nd-YAG laser with a pulse length of about 5 ns. It is necessary to investigate the properties of both processes with respect to their comparability. A study was performed to find out to what extent laser ionization can be used to simulate impact ionization. The findings show that laser ionization and impact ionization show similarities, which can be used to test the functionality of dust impact detectors, especially time-of-flight instruments. Our paper provides information on what extent these similarities hold and where their limits are.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-8979
,
1089-7550
Language:
English
Publisher:
AIP Publishing
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
220641-9
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3112-4
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1476463-5
