Enhancement of the AC RPA

The overall goal of this research project is to improve the response and sensitivity of the AC Retarding Potential Analyzer (RPA). The AC RPA can accurately measure the flux, energy, and energy distribution of charged particles in a space environment. The enhancement of the sensor derives from changes that increase sensitivity of flux measurements through reduction of the baseline noise. The enhanced AC RPA sensor allows diagnosis of required charge particle beams necessary for tests of materials, instruments and subsystems, for future exploration missions.