Mineralogical determination in situ of a highly heterogeneous material using a miniaturized laser ablation mass spectrometer with high spatial resolution

Anna Neubeck, Marek Tulej, Magnus Ivarsson, Curt Broman, Andreas Riedo, Sean McMahon, Peter Wurz, Stefan Bengtson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Techniques enabling in situ elemental and mineralogical analysis on extraterrestrial planets are strongly required for upcoming missions and are being continuously developed. There is ample need for quantitative and high-sensitivity analysis of elemental as well as isotopic composition of heterogeneous materials. Here we present in situ spatial and depth elemental profiles of a heterogeneous rock sample on a depth-scale of nanometres using a miniaturized laser ablation mass spectrometer (LMS) designed for planetary space missions. We show that the LMS spectra alone could provide highly detailed compositional, three-dimensional information and oxidation properties of a natural, heterogeneous rock sample. We also show that a combination of the LMS and Raman spectroscopy provide comprehensive mineralogical details of the investigated sample. These findings are of great importance for future space missions where quick, in situ determination of the mineralogy could play a role in the process of selecting a suitable spot for drilling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-146
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology
Volume15
Issue number2
Early online date5 Oct 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • High presicion laser ablation
  • mineralogy
  • space missions technology
  • spectrometry

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