Energetic particle diagnostics suitable for cubesats

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Platform OBJECTIVE: The objective of this effort is the development of an energetic particle diagnostic suitable for deployment on cubesats while being capable of measuring electron and ion energy distribution functions ranging from a few eV up to 2 MeV in plasma outflows in the space environment. The development of this class of sensor on a cubesat platform allows rapid deployment and the capability to measure at a number of points in space via flying constellations of cubesats. DESCRIPTION: This effort will develop diagnostics capable of measuring electron and ion precipitation and outflows during both quiet and storm conditions in the ionosphere while being suitable for deployment on a cubesat. It will allow bi-directional measurement of particle fluxesto be directly observed to directly measure the current flows in an environment consistent with the mid-altitude ionospheric regions. In particular, it will be able to 1. Observe bi-directional electron velocity distribution functions from ~100eV to 500keV 2. Observe bi-directional ion velocity distribution functions from ~100eV to 500keV 3. Seperate ion observations into total and species specific ion fluence. PHASE I: Phase I will analyze and design a diagnostics suitable to achieve the measurement goals described above. Additionally, this design will be suitable for deployment on a cubesat platform so assement of size, power, weight, etc of the sensor system must be performed. PHASE II: Phase II will develop a build and impliment the sensor design developed during phase I and package it such that is it suitable for deployment as a payload on a cubesat system. Details on the necessary specifications for the cubesat to host the sensors will be developmed and provided. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The fundamental nature of AFOSR programs reflects potential for a novel energetic particle sensor to be deployed beyond the natural space domain enviroment. For example, characterization of particles flows in high-power directed energy devices and Hall thrusters would be suitable for health/performance monitoring for these devices as well as deployment on developmental high-energy density devices. REFERENCES: Milikh, G. M., Mishin, E., Galkin, I., A. Vartanyan, C. Roth, B. W. Reinisch, Ion outflows and artificial ducts in the topside ionosphere at HAARP , GRL, 37, L18102, 2010; Moore, T. E., M.-C. Fok, K. Garcia-Sage, The ionospheric outflow feedback loop , JASTP, 115116, 59-66, 2014; KEYWORDS: plasma; ionosphere; outflows; ring current; diagnostics; cubesats;