Thanasis Economou

CO-Investigator, Mars Pathfinder APXS Experiment



Senior Research Associate

Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research
University of Chicago
933 E. 56th St., Rm 107
Chicago, IL 60637 USA

Telephone: 312-702-7829
FAX: 312-702-6645
tecon@tecon.uchicago.edu



ALPHA, PROTON, X-RAY SPECTROMETER



OUTLINE

Abstract

1.Introduction

2. Description of the Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrometer Techniques

2.1 Alpha Backscattering (Alpha Mode)

2.2 Proton Emission (Proton Mode)

2.3 X-ray Generation (X-ray Mode)

3. Description of the APXS Instrument

3.1 Sensor Head

3.1.1 Alpha-Proton Detector System

3.1.2 Description of the X-ray sensor head

3.1.3 244Cm alpha radioactive sources

3.2 Electronics for the APXS

3.2.1 Alpha-Proton Analog Board

3.2.2 X-ray Analog Board

3.2.3 A/D and D/A/ Board

3.2.4 The "Gatti" Correction

3.2.5 Microcontroler Board

3.2.6 X-ray Detector Bias and Interface Board

4. The APXS Deployment Mechanism

5. Laboratory Measurements, Calibrations and Environmental Tests

6. Magnetic Target Measurements

7. APXS Data and Analyses

7.1 Flight Software for the APX Spectrometer

7.1.1 Command Structure of the APX Spectrometer

7.1.2 Data Structure of the APX Spectrometer

7.1.3 Ground Support Equipment and Software

7.2 Data Analysis

7.2.1 Matrix Effects and Choice of Standards

7.2.2 Least Square Analysis and Programs

7.2.4 X-ray Analysis

8. Acknowledgments

9. References

Figure Captions



tecon@tecon.uchicago.edu