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Constraining electric fields from electrostatic deflector plates: A brief report and case study from the Fast Plasma
Glyn A Collinson1, James P McFadden2, Dennis J Chornay1,3
1Heliophysics Science Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics
|July 28, 2020
Summary
Top hat space plasma analyzers use deflector plates, but stray electric fields can violate spacecraft electromagnetic cleanliness. A double-grid system and modeling technique were used to contain these fields for the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission.
Area of Science:
- Space plasma physics
- Instrument design
- Electromagnetic compatibility
Background:
- Top hat space plasma analyzers commonly use electrostatic deflector plates.
- These plates can generate electric fields that penetrate sensor grids, posing electromagnetic cleanliness issues for spacecraft.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the issue of stray electric fields from deflector plates in space plasma analyzers.
- To ensure compliance with spacecraft electromagnetic cleanliness requirements for the Dual Electron Spectrometer (DES) on the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS).
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a double-grid system on the sensor aperture.
- Development and application of a simple modeling technique to analyze and ensure containment of stray electric fields.
Main Results:
- The double-grid system effectively contained stray electric fields generated by the deflector plates.
- The modeling technique validated the safe containment of these fields, meeting mission requirements.
Conclusions:
- The developed double-grid system and modeling approach successfully resolved electromagnetic compatibility issues for the DES instrument.
- This solution ensures the integrity of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission's electromagnetic environment.
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