A Trajectory Sensor for Sub-micron Sized Dust
Abstract
Dust particles' trajectories are determined by the measurement of the electric signals that are induced when a charged grain flies through a position sensitive electrode system. The objective of the trajectory sensor is to measure dust charges in the range 10^{-16} to 10^{-13} C and dust speeds in the range 6 to 100 km/s. The trajectory sensor has four sensor planes consisting of about 16 wire electrodes each. Two adjacent planes have orthogonal wire direction. A charge sensitive amplifier ASIC has been developed with a RMS noise of about 1.5 times 10^{-17} C. The signals from 32 electrodes are digitized and sampled at 25 MHz rate by an transient recorder ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). First tests with a laboratory set-up have been performed and demonstrate the expected performance.
- Publication:
-
Dust in Planetary Systems
- Pub Date:
- January 2007
- Bibcode:
- 2007ESASP.643..213S