Isochronous Mass Spectrometer for Space Plasma Applications
Abstract
We have developed a new isochronous mass spectrometer and achieved high geometric factor and high mass resolving power, significantly exceeding the capabilities of isochronous spectrometers currently in use for the analysis of space plasmas. Ions with energies up to about 60keV can be detected. In combination with an electrostatic energy analyzer, the instrument will be used for measurements of the elemental, isotopic, and molecular composition of space plasmas. The instrument is of cylindrical geometry, therefore 3-dimensional velocity distributions of ions can be measured from a spinning spacecraft. We compare the performance of our instrument with those isochronous mass spectrometers currently in use on the WIND and SOHO spacecrafts.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Monograph Series
- Pub Date:
- 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1029/GM102p0229
- Bibcode:
- 1998GMS...102..229W