Mass spectrometric determination of the composition of the Venus clouds
The design of a mass spectrometer, based on the results of the Venera and Mariner probes, with sensitivity high enough to detect the HCl in the Venus atmosphere is discussed. One way to analyze the clouds is by the introduction of the atmosphere with cloud particles through a molecular leak into the mass spectrometer. The analysis can be performed in regular Nier-type ion sources with the electrodes of materials which are completely free of Cl and F. The problem of preventing the blockage of the capillaries to the Nier type ion source is also considered.