A Quantum Yield Measurement Setup for the Charge Compensation for the LISA Pathfinder Space Mission

Abstract

The evolved Laser Interferometry Space Antenna (eLISA) is an inter- national fundamental research project with the aim of the detection of gravitational waves by monitoring the distance between two test bod- ies in space. The LISA path�nder mission will perform experiments in a small scale with lower precision and identify upcoming challenges for the future mission. A contactless minimally invasive discharge sys- tem based on the photoemission process is necessary in order to avoid electrostatic forces on the test bodies. For the development the pho- toemission quantum yields of possible coatings were determined and uprising methodical issues were evaluated. An experimental setup was designed in a high vacuum chamber for the recording of the energy distribution of electrons emitted by UV radiation. The di�erences be- tween the ideal spherical and a cylindrical setup with a possibility for quick sample exchange are explained.