Development of an Atmospheric Density Gauge Based on the Bremsstrahlung Effect

摘要

Research and development concluding with the design and construction of a rocket borne air density measurement system is reported. This system utilizes detection of bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by injection of an electron beam from the rocket into the atmosphere. At the high altitudes at which this system is designed to operate, between 100 and 200 km, the detected X-ray flux is linearly related to ambient air density. It is concluded that the system operates as theoretically predicted, and that further research on the possiblity of utilizing this technique to measure atmospheric parameters other than density, such as the argon/nitrogen ratio, is warranted. (Author)