Extreme Universe Space Observatory Super Pressure Balloon II: In-flight LED System

PROJECT NUMBER: 88

AUTHOR: Khloe Downie, Physics | MENTOR: Lawrence Wiencke, Physics

ABSTRACT

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The NASA-sponsored Extreme Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon II (EUSO-SPB2) Mission is a precursor for the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) space mission. EUSO-SPB2 will test two optical instruments, one to observe high energy cosmic rays and the second to search for astrophysical neutrinos using the Earth-skimming technique. The motivation for this MURF project was to test the in-flight LED calibration system for the Cherenkov and fluorescence detectors to be used on the EUSO-SPB2 payload to ensure the system is alive and functioning during the flight. This MURF project started a rudimentary calculation of the average number of photons we expect the detectors to see during flight. This was found from pre-existing data of an extensive air shower. Next, with flight spare LED from the EUSO-SPB 1 mission, a series of trials were conducted, to imitate the calibration process to be performed. The LED was tested in DC mode and in pulse mode. I found an average power emitted as a function of distance. Finally, the two values – the power expected from a typical air shower and the power output from the calibration LEDs – were compared.

VISUAL PRESENTATION

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

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Khloe Downie is a junior in the physics department at the Colorado School of Mines. The research she does is for the physics department, as well. Khloe has done research on high energy physics with a focus on the electronic systems involved. She hopes to focus on quantum hardware research in the future.

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