The cassini ion mass spectrometer: Performance metrics and techniques

J. E. Nordholt, J. J. Berthelier, D. M. Burr, H. O. Funsten, R. Goldstein, J. M. Illiano, K. P. McCabe, D. J. McComas, D. M. Potter, D. T. Young

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS) uses a unique electric field configuration coupled with precise sub-nanosecond timing to produce a high mass-resolution plasma analyzer with both broad energy and mass ranges. The IMS maintains a spectrographic mass resolution (m/Δm) of >50 over a mass range of 1 to 40amu for singly charged positive ions in the energy range of 0.001 to 15keV. Ions having energies between 15 and 50keV are measured with a lower mass resolution of -7.5 as are ions below 15keV which are neutralized or negatively ionized by passage through thin carbon foils at the entrance to the mass analysis section. Both high and medium mass resolution measurements are made simultaneously on incoming ions of all masses. The total angular acceptance is 11° x 160° and area! acceptance is ~1cm2 per pixel. An overview of the design and results of the laboratory testing of tne IMS are presented here.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMeasurement Techniques in Space Plasmas
Subtitle of host publicationParticles, 1998
EditorsRobert F. Pfaff, Joseph.E. Borovsky, David T. Young
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Ltd.
Pages209-214
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781118664384
ISBN (Print)9780875900858
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameGeophysical Monograph Series
Volume102
ISSN (Print)0065-8448
ISSN (Electronic)2328-8779

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geophysics

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