A Comparative Analysis of Performance Simulation for PUI Detectors Based on Traditional Probability Model and the...

Area of Science:

• Space physics
• Plasma physics
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Deep space missions require advanced instruments for detecting particles like pickup ions (PUIs).
• Accurate simulation is crucial for optimizing instrument performance and data analysis in space environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of the traditional probability model and the Vasyliunas and Siscoe (V-S) model for simulating pickup ion detectors.
• To determine the optimal model for in-orbit performance assessment of PUI detectors in deep space exploration.

Main Methods:

• Generated pickup ions using both traditional probability and V-S models as input for PUI detector simulation.
• Processed simulation results to calculate instrument geometric factor, mass resolution, and count rates.
• Conducted comparative experiments between the two models for design and in-orbit simulations.

Main Results:

• Both models yielded similar results for instrument design simulations.
• The V-S model demonstrated superior performance for in-orbit instrument simulation compared to the traditional model.
• PUI data generated by the V-S model led to more accurate in-orbit performance evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The Vasyliunas and Siscoe model is recommended for simulating PUI detector performance in orbit.
• This finding is significant for enhancing the detection capabilities of instruments in future deep space missions.