The Cosmic Particle Telescope (CPT-SCOPE) instrument aims primarily to study the
altitude-dependent flux density of sub-atomic particles, namely electrons and protons
at energies of 1-25 MeV and 20-150 MeV, respectively. The instrument uses particle
telescope geometry, a shielded stack of semiconductor sensors and absorber layers,
and a radiation-hard application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
for read-out. The
detector front-end electronics are realised using an ASIC-FPGA design which is
interfaced to memory and a microcontroller for external communications. We will use
multiple particle telescopes for the detection of electrons and protons. In this way the
particle environment in near space can be investigated. Furthermore, the particle
telescope geometry will be tested and optimised. In addition, the possible occurrence
of single event upsets inside of the read-out ASIC are identified internally and logged. This data helps to characterise function and radiation hardness of the ASIC. The rate
of single event upsets may be compared to the measured particle rates by the
telescopes. We will be able to provide relevant flight heritage for the used ASIC and
therefore come closer towards the implementation of a compact radiation monitor
able to be placed aboard small satellites or cubesats. The CPT-SCOPE instrument is
proposed for the BEXUS student balloon mission in 2015.
