All Physics Faculty Presentations
Investigating the Photoyield of Spacecraft Materials
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Investigating the Photoyield of Spacecraft Materials
Publication Date
2007
Abstract
Understanding the photon-induced charging of spacecraft materials is necessary in modeling the overall charging of a spacecraft. Measuring the photoyields of insulators requires sophistication, since insulators' electrons must overcome a greater potential energy barrier, than electrons in a metal, to move within a solid. In order to determine the photoyields of insulating and semiconducting materials for NASA's Solar Probe Mission (PBN, Alumina) and James Webb Space Telescope project (SixPI-ExVDA), a chopper and lock-in amplifier were added to a photoyield measurement system. A standard (Au) photoemission spectrum was compared with Au spectrum taken before addition of the lock-in to verify the validity of the modified system. Two insulators (polyboron nitride and Alumina) under investigation for the NASA/APL Solar Probe Mission and materials for the JWST project (vapor deposited aluminum and silicon on substrate Kapton E) were then studied using the modified photoemission measurement system. The resulting spectra were used to calculate the solar photoelectron yield and work function of each of the materials.
Recommended Citation
Jennifer Albretsen, Ryan Hoffman, JR Dennison,”Investigating the Photoyield of Spacecraft Materials,” American Physical Society Four Corner Section Meeting, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, October 19, 2007. Paper received award as Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation.
Comments
American Physical Society Four Corner Section Meeting, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, October 19, 2007. Paper received award as Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation.