Space-Charge Detection and Behavior Analysis in Electron Irradiated Polymers

Charges accumulate on the spacecraft surface through various processes such as conduction, irradiation, ionization, and polarization. These charges can affect the space system operations via an electric current flowing in the structure or a locally generated electric field. This paper is focused on the analysis of electron behavior in polymeric films such as polymethylmetaacrylate and Teflon subjected to an electron irradiation. The charge distribution is detected during and after the irradiation in situ by pulsed electroacoustic method. Surface-potential and surface-current measurements are also performed to get further information on the charge displacement with time.