The planetary extreme ultraviolet spectrometer (PLUS) is a project funded by the Italian Space Agency focused on the development of an extreme (EUV) and far-ultraviolet (FUV) high-performance spectrograph, which adopts a dual channel optical scheme. Thanks to an optimized layout based on the use of variable line space (VLS) gratings in an off-Rowland configuration, high spectral and spatial resolution are achieved. The efficiency improvement is obtained by the optimization of the coatings on the optical components. Improved detection limit, shorter observations integration time and unprecedented performance in terms of dynamic range will be achieved by the use of high resolution/dynamic range solar blind photon counting detectors. The photon counting detectors will be based on a micro-channel plate (MCP) coupled with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) read out system.
Spectroscopic observations in the vacuum (VUV, 115-200 nm) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV, 40-115 nm) is of fundamental importance in solar physics, in the physics of interstellar medium, in the study of planetary exospheres. The PLUS project is focused on the development of a high performance spectrograph for the observations of planetary exospheres in the 55-200 nm range. The instrument layout is based on a two channels (VUV/EUV) design. It will be characterized by improved detection limit, shorter observations integration time and unprecedented performance in terms of dynamic range. Such characteristics will be obtained thanks to the development and combination of two key technologies: high efficiency optical components optimized for each channel and high resolution/dynamic range solar blind photon counting detector. The photon counting detector will be based on a Micro-Channel Plate coupled with ROIC ASIC read out system.
A systematic characterization of dielectric coatings for space application is carried out to evaluate the performance drop upon protons exposure. Different energy levels and fluence values are tested. Also, since the irradiation experiments are performed in large scale facilities, different flux rates are tested to establish the operational parameters that better mimic the real irradiation conditions. The induced damage associated with each irradiation session is characterized for a selection of single and bi-layer coatings. Results show that the performance drop is highly dependent on the fluence and the implantation energy.
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