AbstractCalibration of scientific instruments is an important task. Only by proper calibration and understanding of the instrument can we address the scientific questions. Unfortunately, in the field of space plasma physics calibration is not considered science and therefore, calibration techniques and results are often not reported in the space physics literature. This paper reviews how in-situ particle instruments for plasma measurements are calibrated in the laboratory and in flight. Absolute calibration traceable to a national measurements institute is very difficult to achieve. A calibration transfer standard is suggested to reduce relative differences of individual calibration facilities with each other. Instrument degradation is of particular concern for long-term studies, but there is no inflight calibration standard either. Cross calibration with other instruments on the same spacecraft is described. In order to speed up the calibration for multi-spacecraft missions, several methods ranging from artificial intelligence methods, numerical ray tracing to improved vacuum chamber pump speed are suggested. In summary, there is a need for further improvements in the area of instrument calibrations, especially in light of the up-coming multi-spacecraft missions or for long-term studies of solar cycle effects.
Calibration of in-situ plasma instruments
Advances in Space Research ; 32 , 11 ; 2335-2342
2003-04-17
8 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Calibration of in-situ plasma instruments
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