The retarding-potential analyzer on Atmosphere Explorer

摘要: A planar retarding-potential analyzer will be included in each of the Atmosphere Explorer (AE) payloads. The primary functions instrument are to supply ion-temperature and ion-concentration data, which it do at least once every 40 km flight path region interest with an expected accuracy better than 2%. In addition, determine ion-drift velocities energy spectra both thermal suprathermal electrons. During eclipse, negative-ion concentrations greater 0.3 cm−3 can detected, though normal positive-ion sensitivity is approximately 1.5 ions cm−3. Changes ion concentration along 0.1% monitored a spatial resolution less m.