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Particle-in-cell modeling of Dual Segmented Langmuir Probe on PROBA2

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Abstract

We model the current characteristics of the Dual Segmented Langmuir Probe (DSLP), which is a part of the scientific payload of the ESA satellite PROBA2. It is used for the directional measurement of plasma parameters in the ionosphere at an altitude of approximately 725 km. The DSLP consists of two independent segmented Langmuir probes. Each probe is partitioned into eight collectors: seven electrically insulated spherical segments and a Guard electrode (the rest of the sphere and a small post). The current characteristics of the DSLP are computed by using the 3D particle-in-cell code PTetra. The model is electrostatic and it accounts for a uniform background magnetic field. The computed characteristics of different probe segments exhibit significant variation which depends on their orientation with respect to the ram direction. The floating potential and ion current branch of the I-V curves of each segment illustrate the directional sensitivity of the DSLP. It is found that the magnetic field also affects the electron current branch of the I-V curves of certain segments on the DSLP. The I-V curves computed with and without the ambient magnetic field are then used to estimate the electron temperature. This study will be helpful to understand the floating potential and electron temperature anisotropies measured by the DSLP.

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Acknowledgements

N. Imtiaz and R. Marchand acknowledge the support by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. The simulations presented in this work made use of the West-Grid computing facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Theoretical Physics Division, PINSTECH, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Nadia Imtiaz

  2. National Center for Physics (NCP), Islamabad, Pakistan

    Nadia Imtiaz

  3. Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Richard Marchand

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  1. Nadia Imtiaz
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  2. Richard Marchand
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Correspondence to Nadia Imtiaz.

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Imtiaz, N., Marchand, R. Particle-in-cell modeling of Dual Segmented Langmuir Probe on PROBA2. Astrophys Space Sci 360, 15 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-015-2526-x

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