Description:

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful spectroscopic analysis technique, that has been applied into many geo-scientific areas including mineralogy, gemology, planetary exploration, and astrobiology, etc., and can provide accurate and detailed molecular and structural information of planetary materials. Owing to its advantages in no sample preparations, quick and non-destructive analyses, unambiguous phase identifications, as well as low-mass and robust behaviors on the mineralogy and mineral chemistries of rock and soil samples, many Raman spectroscopic studies on returned samples, meteorites and planetary analogues have been reported.

However, almost all of these studies used traditional micro-Raman with a working distance of several centimeters or less. During planetary exploration, tools with long detective distance are desirable. In the early 1960s, remote Raman was developed and employed in the detection of gases. Kobayasi and Inaba successfully observed Raman features of SO2 and CO2 from an oil smoke plume using a remote Raman system at a distance of 20 m. In 1992, Angel employed a remote Raman system to identify solid inorganics and organics such as NaNO3, NaNO2, and acetaminophen at a distance of ten meters. To date, several Raman systems have been proposed for either in situ or remote detection on planetary surfaces for lander or rover exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, asteroids, etc. Remote Raman systems for planetary exploration have been established by several groups especially by the Raman spectroscopy laboratory at the University of Hawai’i, which has a greatly improved remote Raman instrument for the application in planetary explorations. At Goddard Space Flight Center, work is currently underway to demonstrate various Raman systems for planetary exploration team is looking for a NPP candidate that can participate in the conception, research and development of in-situ and stand-pff Raman systems.

Field of Science: Planetary Science
Advisors:

Shahid Aslam
shahid.aslam-1@nasa.gov
(202) 340-0018