Development of a miniaturised particle radiation monitor for Earth orbit
Author(s)
Mitchell, Edward Frank
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Geometry and algorithm design for a novel highly miniaturised radiation monitor (HMRM)
for spacecraft in medium Earth orbit are presented. The HMRM device comprises a telescopic configuration of application-specific active pixel sensors enclosed in a titanium shield, with an
estimated total mass of 52 g and volume of 15 cm3. The monitor is intended to provide real-time
dosimetry and identification of energetic charged particles in fluxes of up to 108 cm-2 s-1
(omnidirectional). Achieving this capability with such a small instrument could open new
prospects for radiation detection in space.
The methodology followed for the design and optimisation of the particle detector geometry
is explained and analysis algorithms - for real-time use within the monitor and for post-processing
reconstruction of spectra - are presented. Simulations with the Geant4 toolkit
are used to predict operational results in various Earth orbits. Early test results of a prototype
monitor, including calibration of the pixel sensors, are also reported.
for spacecraft in medium Earth orbit are presented. The HMRM device comprises a telescopic configuration of application-specific active pixel sensors enclosed in a titanium shield, with an
estimated total mass of 52 g and volume of 15 cm3. The monitor is intended to provide real-time
dosimetry and identification of energetic charged particles in fluxes of up to 108 cm-2 s-1
(omnidirectional). Achieving this capability with such a small instrument could open new
prospects for radiation detection in space.
The methodology followed for the design and optimisation of the particle detector geometry
is explained and analysis algorithms - for real-time use within the monitor and for post-processing
reconstruction of spectra - are presented. Simulations with the Geant4 toolkit
are used to predict operational results in various Earth orbits. Early test results of a prototype
monitor, including calibration of the pixel sensors, are also reported.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2013-05
Date Awarded
2013-07
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Araujo, Henrique
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)