A Capacitance Electron Density Probe.
Abstract
The design and operational characteristics of a rocket-borne. radio-frequency capacitance probe for obtaining electron densities in the 60-100 km altitude range are described. The design objective was to provide a simple, inexpensive system suitable for synoptic measurements of electron density. Basically the probe consists of a coaxial capacitor which is exposed to the atmosphere. This capacitor is the frequency control element of a 5MHz oscillator. As the dielectric constant is a function of the electron density within the capacitor dielectric, the oscillator frequency changes are related to electron density. A simple procedure, which ignored sheath effects, was used to calibrate the probes. Despite this calibration deficiency, electron densities derived from data obtained during two test flights were reasonable and agreed with results obtained from other experiments in this altitude region. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0731210
Entities
People
- Donald Maxwell
- Jack Smith
- Roberto Rubio
Organizations
- Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory