Piezoelectric sensors for studying the Moon plasma-dust exosphere

The scientific research program of lunar landers includes an experiment involving the study of the dynamics of lunar microparticles and the parameters of the near-surface dust plasma. Near-surface plasma and levitating dust particles form the Moon plasma-dust exosphere. To register the mechanical characteristics of dust microparticles, it is necessary to develop an impact sensor. As a sensitive element for the impact sensor, the shock sensitivity of various piezoelectric materials was experimentally studied: lithium niobate single crystals, PZT-19 piezoceramics, as well as a piezopolymer film of polyvinylidene fluoride. To register electrical signals on the piezoelectric sensors surface, a measuring stand with the original topology of the electrode system on the plates has been developed. The sensitivity of various piezoelectric sensors to impact, the response times of the sensor to impact, as well as the coordinates of the impact points on the sensor plates were measured.