Simulations of Plasma Observatory's Energetic Particle Experiment

Plasma Observatory is a candidate for the European Space Agency's upcoming M7 science mission. It will investigate how particles are energized in space plasmas and how energy is transported across different scales and regions of the Earth’s magnetosphere. For this, the Energetic Particle Experiment (EPE) provides electron and ion measurements in the energy range from 30 to 600 keV, with an optional extension of measurements down to around 20 keV for electrons and ions and up to 1.5 MeV for ions. Both electron and ion measurements have an energy resolution of 20 % or better. The design of the EPE is based on the well-proven magnet-foil technique and features two geometrical factors for both electrons and ions in order to increase the dynamic range of observable fluxes.

To validate and demonstrate the EPE's capabilities, GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations of the current instrument design were performed, which allowed to derive the geometrical factors and energy-dependent responses to electrons and protons. Based on these results, the instrument’s performance in the expected particle flux environments during the Plasma Observatory mission were investigated.