High-sensitivity STEP-F spectrometer-telescope for high-energy particles of the CORONAS-PHOTON satellite experiment

The STEP-F satellite telescope for measuring electrons and protons of the Photon scientific equipment is described. Its design features are given. The device detects electrons, protons, and α-particles in the energy range 0.18–2.3, 7.4–55.2, and 298–160.0 MeV, respectively. Geometric factors vary in the range of 12.4–21.7 cm 2 sr, depending on the energy of the particles. In addition, there are three channels of mixed recording of particles of different types and channels of recording of the secondary electromagnetic radiation generated in the construction materials of the device and spacecraft. Methods and results of the computer simulation of the passage of the particle through detector materials are presented, along with configuration, calibration measurements, and tests (both standalone and integrated) within the complex of scientific instrumentation and spacecraft. Updated data on geometric factors of the device and energy ranges of the direct detection of charged high-energy particles and of channels of mixed recording of several types of particles are given. Special software is described for the rapid analysis of the processed data of the STEP-F telescope, and the visualization of time variations of particle fluxes with different time resolution in some periods of high solar activity and in its absence.