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Vogt DS, Schröder S, Richter L, Deiml M, Weßels P, Neumann J, Hübers HW. VOILA on the LUVMI-X Rover: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Detection of Volatiles at the Lunar South Pole. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9518. [PMID: 36502218 PMCID: PMC9741173 DOI: 10.3390/s22239518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The project Lunar Volatiles Mobile Instrumentation-Extended (LUVMI-X) developed an initial system design as well as payload and mobility breadboards for a small, lightweight rover dedicated for in situ exploration of the lunar south pole. One of the proposed payloads is the Volatiles Identification by Laser Analysis instrument (VOILA), which uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyze the elemental composition of the lunar surface with an emphasis on sampling regolith and the detection of hydrogen for the inference of the presence of water. It is designed to analyze targets in front of the rover at variable focus between 300 mm and 500 mm. The spectrometer covers the wavelength range from 350 nm to 790 nm, which includes the hydrogen line at 656.3 nm as well as spectral lines of most major rock-forming elements. We report here the scientific input that fed into the concept and design of the VOILA instrument configuration for the LUVMI-X rover. Moreover, we present the measurements performed with the breadboard laboratory setup for VOILA at DLR Berlin that focused on verifying the performance of the designed LIBS instrument in particular for the detection and quantification of hydrogen and other major rock forming elements in the context of in situ lunar surface analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Vogt
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Institut für Optische Sensorsysteme, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Schröder
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Institut für Optische Sensorsysteme, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz Richter
- OHB System AG, 82234 Weßling, Germany
- Large Space Structures GmbH, 85386 Eching, Germany
| | | | - Peter Weßels
- Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH), 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Neumann
- Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH), 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Institut für Optische Sensorsysteme, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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Just GH, Roy MJ, Joy KH, Hutchings GC, Smith KL. Development and test of a Lunar Excavation and Size Separation System (LES
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) for the LUVMI‐X rover platform. J FIELD ROBOT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/rob.22050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gunter H. Just
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Matthew J. Roy
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering University of Manchester Manchester UK
- Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Katherine H. Joy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Gregory C. Hutchings
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Katharine L. Smith
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering University of Manchester Manchester UK
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Lalla EA, Konstantinidis M, Lymer E, Gilmour CM, Freemantle J, Such P, Cote K, Groemer G, Martinez-Frias J, Cloutis EA, Daly MG. Combined Spectroscopic Analysis of Terrestrial Analogs from a Simulated Astronaut Mission Using the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Raman Sensor: Implications for Mars. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 75:1093-1113. [PMID: 33988039 DOI: 10.1177/00037028211016892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the primary objectives of planetary exploration is the search for signs of life (past, present, or future). Formulating an understanding of the geochemical processes on planetary bodies may allow us to define the precursors for biological processes, thus providing insight into the evolution of past life on Earth and other planets, and perhaps a projection into future biological processes. Several techniques have emerged for detecting biomarker signals on an atomic or molecular level, including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy, each of which addresses complementary aspects of the elemental composition, mineralogy, and organic characterization of a sample. However, given the technical challenges inherent to planetary exploration, having a sound understanding of the data provided from these technologies, and how the inferred insights may be used synergistically is critical for mission success. In this work, we present an in-depth characterization of a set of samples collected during a 28-day Mars analog mission conducted by the Austrian Space Forum in the Dhofar region of Oman. The samples were obtained under high-fidelity spaceflight conditions and by considering the geological context of the test site. The specimens were analyzed using the LIBS-Raman sensor, a prototype instrument for future exploration of Mars. We present the elemental quantification of the samples obtained from LIBS using a previously developed linear mixture model and validated using scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy. Moreover, we provide a full mineral characterization obtained using ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy and LIF, which was verified through ATR FT-IR. Lastly, we present possible discrimination of organics in the samples using LIF and time-resolved LIF. Each of these methods yields accurate results, with low errors in their predictive capabilities of LIBS (median relative error ranging from 4.5% to 16.2%), and degree of richness in subsequent inferences to geochemical and potential biochemical processes of the samples. The existence of such methods of inference and our ability to understand the limitations thereof is crucial for future planetary missions, not only to Mars and Moon but also for future exoplanetary exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Lalla
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Menalaos Konstantinidis
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Lymer
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cosette M Gilmour
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - James Freemantle
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pamela Such
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kristen Cote
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jesus Martinez-Frias
- Dinamica Terrestre y Observacion de la Tierra, Instituto de Geociencias, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edward A Cloutis
- Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael G Daly
- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Canada
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Cho Y, Cohen BA. Dating igneous rocks using the Potassium-Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE) instrument: A case study for ~380 Ma basaltic rocks. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2018; 32:1755-1765. [PMID: 29943402 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE We report new K-Ar isochron data for two ~380 Ma basaltic rocks, using an updated version of the Potassium-Argon Laser Experiment (KArLE), which is being developed for future in situ dating of planetary materials. These basalts have K contents comparable with those of lunar KREEP basalts or igneous lithologies found by Mars rovers, whereas previous proof-of-concept studies focused primarily on more K-rich rocks. We aim to measure these analogous samples to show the advancing capability of in situ K-Ar geochronology. METHODS Combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), mass spectrometry (MS), and microscopic analyses, we measured the abundance of K and 40 Ar from 23 spots on the basalt samples. We then constructed K-Ar isochron plots from these rocks. The breadboard instrument consists of flight-equivalent devices including a 30-mJ Nd:YAG laser and a quadrupole mass spectrometer. RESULTS Despite much lower K abundances than in previous studies, the isochron slopes yielded 380 ± 44 Ma and 398 ± 50 Ma for 380.7-Ma and 373.5-Ma rocks, respectively, indicating that accuracy better than 25 Ma (<7%) is achievable with our instrument. The isochron intercepts both yielded trapped 40 Ar approximately 1 × 10-6 cm3 STP/g. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental results demonstrate that accurate and precise measurements are possible using the KArLE approach on basaltic rocks, which are ubiquitous on planetary surfaces, and are useful in addressing a wide range of questions in planetary science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Cho
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA
| | - Barbara A Cohen
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA
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Cho Y, Horiuchi M, Shibasaki K, Kameda S, Sugita S. Quantitative Potassium Measurements with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Using Low-Energy Lasers: Application to In Situ K-Ar Geochronology for Planetary Exploration. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 71:1969-1981. [PMID: 28447482 DOI: 10.1177/0003702817701941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In situ radiogenic isotope measurements to obtain the absolute age of geologic events on planets are of great scientific value. In particular, K-Ar isochrons are useful because of their relatively high technical readiness and high accuracy. Because this isochron method involves spot-by-spot K measurements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and simultaneous Ar measurements with mass spectrometry, LIBS measurements are conducted under a high vacuum condition in which emission intensity decreases significantly. Furthermore, using a laser power used in previous planetary missions is preferable to examine the technical feasibility of this approach. However, there have been few LIBS measurements for K under such conditions. In this study, we measured K contents in rock samples using 30 mJ and 15 mJ energy lasers under a vacuum condition (10-3 Pa) to assess the feasibility of in situ K-Ar dating with lasers comparable to those used in NASA's Curiosity and Mars 2020 missions. We obtained various calibration curves for K using internal normalization with the oxygen line at 777 nm and continuum emission from the laser-induced plasma. Experimental results indicate that when K2O < 1.1 wt%, a calibration curve using the intensity of the K emission line at 769 nm normalized with that of the oxygen line yields the best results for the 30 mJ laser energy, with a detection limit of 88 ppm and 20% of error at 2400 ppm of K2O. Futhermore, the calibration curve based on the K 769 nm line intensity normalized with continuum emission yielded the best result for the 15 mJ laser, giving a detection limit of 140 ppm and 20% error at 3400 ppm K2O. Error assessments using obtained calibration models indicate that a 4 Ga rock with 3000 ppm K2O would be measured with 8% (30 mJ) and 10% (15 mJ) of precision in age when combined with mass spectrometry of 40Ar with 10% of uncertainty. These results strongly suggest that high precision in situ isochron K-Ar dating is feasible with a laser used in previous and upcoming Mars rover missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Cho
- 1 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Misa Horiuchi
- 2 Department of Physics, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shingo Kameda
- 2 Department of Physics, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Sugita
- 3 Department of Earth and Planetary Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- 4 Research Center for the Early Universe, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Choi JJ, Choi SJ, Yoh JJ. Standoff Detection of Geological Samples of Metal, Rock, and Soil at Low Pressures Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2016; 70:1411-1419. [PMID: 27566256 DOI: 10.1177/0003702816664858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Categorized certified reference materials simulating metal, rock, soils, or dusts are used to demonstrate the standoff detection capability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) at severely low pressure conditions. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm with 17.2-50 mJ energy per pulse was used to obtain sample signals from a distance of 5.5 m; the detection sensitivity at pressures down to 0.01 torr was also analyzed. The signal intensity response to pressure changes is explained by the ionization energy and electronegativity of elements, and from the estimated full width half-maximum (FWHM) and electron density, the decrease in both background noise and line broadening makes it suitable for low pressure detection using the current standoff LIBS configuration. The univariate analyses further showed high correlation coefficients for geological samples. Therefore, the present work has extended the current state-of-the-art of standoff LIBS aimed at harsh environment detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Jun Choi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Choi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea
| | - Jack J Yoh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea
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Weisberg A, Lakis RE, Simpson MF, Horowitz L, Craparo J. Measuring lanthanide concentrations in molten salt using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2014; 68:937-948. [PMID: 25226247 DOI: 10.1366/13-07390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The versatility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an analytical method for high-temperature applications was demonstrated through measurement of the concentrations of the lanthanide elements europium (Eu) and praseodymium (Pr) in molten eutectic lithium chloride-potassium chloride (LiCl-KCl) salts at a temperature of 500 °C. Laser pulses (1064 nm, 7 ns, 120 mJ/pulse) were focused on the top surface of the molten salt samples in a laboratory furnace under an argon atmosphere, and the resulting LIBS signals were collected using a broadband Echelle-type spectrometer. Partial least squares (PLS) regression using leave-one-sample-out cross-validation was used to quantify the concentrations of Eu and Pr in the samples. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for Eu was 0.13% (absolute) over a concentration range of 0-3.01%, and for Pr was 0.13% (absolute) over a concentration range of 0-1.04%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arel Weisberg
- Energy Research Company, 1250 South Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07062 USA
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Clegg SM, Wiens R, Misra AK, Sharma SK, Lambert J, Bender S, Newell R, Nowak-Lovato K, Smrekar S, Dyar MD, Maurice S. Planetary geochemical investigations using Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2014; 68:925-936. [PMID: 25226246 DOI: 10.1366/13-07386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
An integrated Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument is a valuable geoanalytical tool for future planetary missions to Mars, Venus, and elsewhere. The ChemCam instrument operating on the Mars Curiosity rover includes a remote LIBS instrument. An integrated Raman-LIBS spectrometer (RLS) based on the ChemCam architecture could be used as a reconnaissance tool for other contact instruments as well as a primary science instrument capable of quantitative mineralogical and geochemical analyses. Replacing one of the ChemCam spectrometers with a miniature transmission spectrometer enables a Raman spectroscopy mineralogical analysis to be performed, complementing the LIBS chemical analysis while retaining an overall architecture resembling ChemCam. A prototype transmission spectrometer was used to record Raman spectra under both Martian and Venus conditions. Two different high-pressure and high-temperature cells were used to collect the Raman and LIBS spectra to simulate surface conditions on Venus. The resulting LIBS spectra were used to generate a limited partial least squares Venus calibration model for the major elements. These experiments demonstrate the utility and feasibility of a combined RLS instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Clegg
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA
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Meslin PY, Gasnault O, Forni O, Schröder S, Cousin A, Berger G, Clegg SM, Lasue J, Maurice S, Sautter V, Le Mouélic S, Wiens RC, Fabre C, Goetz W, Bish D, Mangold N, Ehlmann B, Lanza N, Harri AM, Anderson R, Rampe E, McConnochie TH, Pinet P, Blaney D, Léveillé R, Archer D, Barraclough B, Bender S, Blake D, Blank JG, Bridges N, Clark BC, DeFlores L, Delapp D, Dromart G, Dyar MD, Fisk M, Gondet B, Grotzinger J, Herkenhoff K, Johnson J, Lacour JL, Langevin Y, Leshin L, Lewin E, Madsen MB, Melikechi N, Mezzacappa A, Mischna MA, Moores JE, Newsom H, Ollila A, Perez R, Renno N, Sirven JB, Tokar R, de la Torre M, d'Uston L, Vaniman D, Yingst A. Soil diversity and hydration as observed by ChemCam at Gale crater, Mars. Science 2013; 341:1238670. [PMID: 24072924 DOI: 10.1126/science.1238670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The ChemCam instrument, which provides insight into martian soil chemistry at the submillimeter scale, identified two principal soil types along the Curiosity rover traverse: a fine-grained mafic type and a locally derived, coarse-grained felsic type. The mafic soil component is representative of widespread martian soils and is similar in composition to the martian dust. It possesses a ubiquitous hydrogen signature in ChemCam spectra, corresponding to the hydration of the amorphous phases found in the soil by the CheMin instrument. This hydration likely accounts for an important fraction of the global hydration of the surface seen by previous orbital measurements. ChemCam analyses did not reveal any significant exchange of water vapor between the regolith and the atmosphere. These observations provide constraints on the nature of the amorphous phases and their hydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-Y Meslin
- Université de Toulouse, UPS-OMP, IRAP, 31028 Toulouse, France.
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