Innovative particle detector for future heliophysics missions
Résumé
Innovative particle detectors are needed for future heliophysics missions in order to access to high-time resolution phenomena within limited resources. One of the main challenges is to accurately monitor solar wind plasmas from non-spinning platforms. Such an innovative particle detector which is based on a new optical concept allows the coverage of 4pi str solid angle with only two sensor heads. It fits the need of all-sky thermal plasma measurements on three axis stabilized spacecraft which are the most commonly used platforms for heliophysics missions with imaging capabilities. This 3D field-of-view plasma analyzer also takes advantage of the new possibilities offered by the development of an ultra low-power multichannel charge sensitive amplifier used for the imaging detector of the instrument. We present the design and measured performances of a prototype model that will fly on a test rocket in 2014. One of the possible applications of this innovative particle detector is the investigation of electron time scale phenomena in the turbulent solar wind of the inner heliosphere with unprecedented time resolution below 10 msec.