A prototype AlInP electron spectrometer

The development and characterization of a prototype temperature tolerant (capable operation up to at least 100 ​°C) particle counting electron spectrometer with an AlInP detector is reported. This the first time that response electrons (β − particles) has been was custom made circular mesa (200 ​μm diameter) Al 0.52 In 0.48 P p + -i-n (2 i layer) photodiode; this coupled low-noise charge-sensitive preamplifier otherwise standard readout electronics. electrically characterized investigated for its illumination from 63 Ni radioisotope β source over range ​°C–20 ​°C. absorbed energy within active region (i expected be detected spectra were calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. Comparisons between simulated measured indicated in agreement model. Future generations spectrometers type are useful space science missions where instrumentation would subject high temperatures intense radiation (e.g. study radiolytic processes comets close perihelion). order inform future detectors such applications, instrument solar wind modelled experimentally verified detector; avenues improve performance, identified presently reported results, discussed. • An demonstrated as capable spectroscopic detection. operated ≤ ​°C, under particles ≤66 ​keV. simulations informed predicted detected. Experimentally agreement. Avenues performance