Solar wind photoplate study

An ion sensitive emulsion detection system has been considered for use in a cycloidal focusing mass spectrometer to measure the various atomic species which comprise the solar plasma. The responses of Ilford Q2 and Kodak SC7 emulsions were measured with N(+) ions at 6 keV to 10 keV, He(++) ions at 750 eV to 2500 eV, and H(+) ions at 550 eV to 1400 eV. These ions have the approximate range of velocities (about 300-500 km/sec) encountered in the solar wind. The work was carried out on a specially prepared magnetic sector mass analyzer. Characteristic response curves were generated, each one utilizing approximately 50 data points at three or more current densities. In addition to the ion response, measurements of the response of these emulsions to a photon flux simulating the visible portion of the solar spectrum were made. The results obtained will be presented in detail and interpreted in relation to other data available for these emulsions.