Study for ultra-high resolution filter with resonance scattering suitable for the nano-spacecraft

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K20936
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 17:Earth and planetary science and related fields
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Yoshioka Kazuo 東京大学, 大学院新領域創成科学研究科, 講師 (70637131)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-07-30 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 超小型探査機 / 共鳴吸収 / ライマンアルファ / 水素原子 / 彗星

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we have demonstrated the principle and established the calibration method of gas-filter using resonant absorption of hydrogen atoms, and obtained the following results. (1) A glass cell with MgF2 fused in the optical axis direction that transmits FUV was fabricated, and its resistance to shock and vibration was confirmed. (2) By setting up a cell filled with Kr gas in the optical axis direction, we found a method to correctly determine the wavelength with an accuracy of 10 pm, and established a method for evaluating absorption efficiency using continuous light from synchrotron radiation facilities. At the same time, we also produced an orthogonal cell that introduces resonant scattering in the orthogonal direction. (3) The shape and length of the tungsten filament was optimized, and the conditions required for a lifetime were determined. These results will be applied to the observation equipment to be installed in future comet exploration missions.

Free Research Field

惑星科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで超小型探査機は地球を周回しつつ地球を観測することが主な役割であり，惑星科学への応用は難しいと思われていた．これは超小型のリソースと科学要求の解離が極めて大きかったためである．本研究の成果は，超小型とトップサイエンスを両立させるものであり，超小型探査機が深宇宙に足を延ばすためのキー技術である．特に，本研究の基礎研究を基に，将来の彗星探査ミッションの搭載機器開発を具体化できたことは，学術的な意味でも，超小型探査技術の拡張という意味でも極めて重要である．