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The Low‐Energy Neutral Imager (LENI)
Author(s) -
Westlake J. H.,
Mitchell D. G.,
Brandt P. C.son.,
Andrews B. G.,
Clark G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9402
pISSN - 2169-9380
DOI - 10.1002/2016ja022547
Subject(s) - energetic neutral atom , physics , angular resolution (graph drawing) , solar wind , magnetosheath , ion , plasma , astronomy , atomic physics , nuclear physics , magnetopause , mathematics , combinatorics , quantum mechanics
To achieve breakthroughs in the areas of heliospheric and magnetospheric energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging, a new class of instruments is required. We present a high angular resolution ENA imager concept aimed at the suprathermal plasma populations with energies between 0.5 and 20 keV. This instrument is intended for understanding the spatial and temporal structure of the heliospheric boundary recently revealed by Interstellar Boundary Explorer instrumentation and the Cassini Ion and Neutral Camera. The instrument is also well suited to characterize magnetospheric ENA emissions from low‐altitude ENA emissions produced by precipitation of magnetospheric ions into the terrestrial upper atmosphere, or from the magnetosheath where solar wind protons are neutralized by charge exchange, or from portions of the ring current region. We present a new technique utilizing ultrathin carbon foils, 2‐D collimation, and a novel electron optical design to produce high angular resolution (≤2°) and high‐sensitivity (≥10 −3 cm 2 sr/pixel) ENA imaging in the 0.5–20 keV energy range.