Share
A TNO -led international team developed a combined Raman/LIBS spectrometer for ESA’s ExoMars mission. ESA’s mission to Mars is aimed at detecting possible signs of past/present life forms on Mars, as well as improving our knowledge of our neighbouring planet. Raman/LIBS is currently being tested at the VU Amsterdam on simulated Martian samples, and TNO is already looking into alternative Earth applications for this cutting-edge technology.
Artist impression of the ESA Exomars lander
|
The Raman/LIBS Elegant BreadBoard provides a leap forward in exploration possibilities. It combines two types of advanced analytical spectroscopy into a portable, sturdy and small package. Raman Spectroscopy is used for molecular analysis of local organics and minerals. LIBS analyses elemental composition, and the Raman/LIBS combines the two into a unique and useful package. It’s ultra-compact and can fit in a backpack. It weighs less than one kilogram, and can be used in situ – anytime, anywhere. It has a wide operational temperature range and a robust mechnical design built to survive interplanetary launch and landing. Samples don’t need to be prepared before analysis, and the instrument is water-proof and sterile.
For the purpose of planetary exploration, the Raman/LIBS instrument analyses mineral sample compositions collected from the top and sub-surface layers of the planet. On Earth, Raman/LIBS can be used for medical diagnostics, explosives detection, oil and gas production, and geo-sciences. Forensics can use Raman/LIBS to trace evidence to specific locations and security officials can use it for passenger screening and tracing. Studies are already underway to see where this high-end technology can best be placed. Spectrometer space specifications:
Integration of the breadboard spectrometer
|
TNO has built an Elegant BreadBoard (EBB) of the combined Raman/LIBS instrument, which is representative of a future flight model. The EBB has been developed in close cooperation with Cosine (NL), Brunel University (GB), Commissariat d'Energy Atomique (F), the University of Valladolid (E), Swiss Space Technology (CH) and Monocrom (E), under ESA contract 19608/06/NL/GM. Low mass, size and resource usage were the main drivers of the instrument's design concept. The heart of the instrument is a specifically designed, extremely compact, spectrometer with high resolution over a large wavelength range, suitable for both Raman shift and LIBS measurements. Apart from the previously mentioned spectrometer, the EBB also includes lasers, illumination and imaging optics as well as fibre optics for light transfer. Optionally a microscope/close-up imager could be integrated in the design concept.
