Combined Vacuum Sensor For Measuring the Density and Composition of the Ionosphere

Abstract

A design of an electron-ion trap for a sensor of the density and composition of the upper atmosphere (ionosphere), intended for placement on nanosatellites, is proposed. It allows you to capture charged particles of any energy and direction of their speed, dividing them by the sign of charge and energy. This ensures the correct operation of the vacuum gauge Converter of this sensor and the ability to register the density of charged particle flows, dividing them by sign and energy. The calculation of the maximum energy captured by the upper system of the trap electrodes and the estimation of the values of the trap currents in the required range of heights was performed. High-energy particles that pass through the upper system of electrodes are captured by the lower system of electrodes.