Abstract
The first Raman spectrometers to be used for in situ analysis of planetary material will be launched as part of powerful, rover-based analytical laboratories within the next 6 years. There are a number of significant challenges associated with building spectrometers for space applications, including limited volume, power and mass budgets, the need to operate in harsh environments and the need to operate independently and intelligently for long periods of time (due to communication limitations). Here, we give an overview of the technical capabilities of the Raman instruments planned for future planetary missions and give a review of the preparatory work being pursued to ensure that such instruments are operated successfully and optimally. This includes analysis of extremophile samples containing pigments associated with biological processes, synthetic materials which incorporate biological material within a mineral matrix, planetary analogues containing low levels of reduced carbon and samples coated with desert varnish that incorporate both geo-markers and biomarkers.We discuss the scientific importance of each sample type and the challenges using portable/flight-prototype instrumentation. We also report on technical development work undertaken to enable the next generation of Raman instruments to reach higher levels of sensitivity and operational efficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-13 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Philosophical transactions of the royal society a-Mathematical physical and engineering sciences |
Volume | 372 |
Issue number | 2030 |
Early online date | 3 Nov 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Dec 2014 |
Bibliographical note
Funding statementH.G.M.E., I.B.H. and R.I. acknowledge the support of the STFC Research Council and the UK Space Agency in the UK ExoMars programme. L.H. acknowledges studentship support from the STFC Research Council and M.M. acknowledges studentship support from the European Space Agency through the Network Partnership scheme. C.M. acknowledges support from the University of Liège.
Keywords
- Astrobiology
- Biomolecular signatures
- Carbonaceous matter
- Planetary exploration
- Portable Raman
- Raman spectroscopy