Understanding Cassini RPWS Antenna Signals Triggered by Dust Impacts
Résumé
Electric field antennas are capable of detecting dust impacts indifferent space environment. We analyze the dust impact signals detectedby the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument at differentlocations around Saturn and compare them with dust impact signalssimulated in laboratory conditions and numerically. The spacecraftpotential, the size, and capacitance of the impacted element and ambientplasma have a strong effect on the amplitude and the shape of impactsignals, providing important clues to understanding the signalgeneration mechanism. The voltage signal on the antenna is due to theseparation of the impact generated charges, which occurs as electronsand ions can either escape (at different speeds) or be collected by theimpacted element depending on the spacecraft potential.
Domaines
Astrophysique [astro-ph]
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Geophysical Research Letters - 2019 - Ye - Understanding Cassini RPWS Antenna Signals Triggered by Dust Impacts.pdf (2.37 Mo)
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