Electron particle deflection using a field reversed configuration magnetosphere geometry as an analog for radiation shielding in deep space

Abstract

Space radiation consists of solar particle events and galactic cosmic rays which are ever present threats to human exploration outside the protective magnetosphere of Earth. Space radiation mitigation is a necessity to protect the long term health of astronauts as NASA is building a cislunar space station with plans for human exploration of Mars. One possible solution to radiation shielding is a magnetic field configuration which is low mass, reduces the probability of secondary particle radiation scattering, and produces a magnetic null in the habitat region. This paper demonstrates the first experimental test of a functional field reversed configuration geometry that can deflect charged particles while minimizing the amount of structural material and producing low secondary radiation scattering both of which are inherent to its construction while also producing a magnetic null in the habitable zone. Numerical analyses, including the integral field parameter, are used to experimentally determine the magnetic field to deflect electrons. These parameters were simulated and implemented in the design, modeling, and verification of a physical test article suitable for charged particle testing. A custom capacitor power discharge system, a 3D printed test article, and a data acquisition system was built to create the necessary high current and resultant magnetic field to deflect charged particles. An electron accelerator was tested and used to create a vacuum charged particle environment in which the test article was placed. Successful pulsing of between 250-1900A demonstrated shielding of approximately 11-keV electrons at ever higher levels. This paper describes these systems and empirically demonstrates the first successful deflection of particles while maintaining a null habitable zone within the field reversed assembly shield design.