Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science
High Angular Resolution Low Energy Neutral Imager (LENI)
Project Description
Low Energy Neutral Imager (LENI) Technical Objective: Demonstrate high-angular (2) resolution, high-sensitivity (±10-3 cm2 sr/pixel) ENA imaging in the 0.5 - 20 keV range as called for by the Heliophysics Decadal Survey by utilizing ultra-thin foils, 2D collimation, and a novel electron optical design. Supporting the Following Scientific Objectives for Future Missions Heliospheric Science Objective: Understand the spatial and temporal structure of the heliospheric boundary through high-temporal and high-angular resolution imaging over the 0.5 - 20 keV energy range (LENI addresses the more difficult, lower end of that range). Magnetospheric Science Objective: Understand how magnetospheric ions precipitate into and interact with the upper atmosphere by determining the angular and spatial distribution of backscattered energetic neutral atoms (ENAs).
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Anticipated Benefits
Support NASA's Heliophysics strategic science objectives to understand the Sun and its interactions with Earth and the solar system, including space weather. This will be achieved by developing/demonstrating instrumentation technology necessary to address the following science goals: Explore the physical processes in the space environment from the Sun to the Earth and throughout the solar system; Advance our understanding of the connections that link the Sun, the Earth, planetary space environments, and the outer reaches of our solar system; Develop the knowledge and capability to detect and predict extreme conditions in space to protect life and society and to safeguard human and robotic explorers beyond Earth.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University: Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Laurel, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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Maryland
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