Low-energy laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for in-situ space missions to solar system bodies without atmospheres

• Published in: Planetary and space science 2012-10, Vol.71 (1), p.57-63
• Main Authors: Pavlov, S.G., Schröder, S., Rauschenbach, I., Jessberger, E.K., Hübers, H.-W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asteroids; Europa; Irradiance; Jupiter satellites; Lander vehicles; Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; Lasers; LIBS; Low energy; Moon; Solar system; Space missions; Spectroscopy; Thin atmosphere
• ISSN: 0032-0633; 1873-5088
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2012.07.001

Several space missions to bodies in the solar system consider landers or rovers, which are equipped with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instruments as part of the scientific payload. LIBS is capable of providing in-situ quantitative elemental analyses of all major and many minor and trace elements of the planetary surface material. Here we focus on the investigation of a particular LIBS application scenario, namely a miniaturized LIBS instrument with a low-energy laser operating in ultra-high vacuum (below 1mPa). Such a scenario is relevant for exploration of asteroids, our Moon or Jupiter's moon Europa. We demonstrate that an excitation energy of only ∼1mJ from an infrared laser is sufficient for the formation of a plasma. Elements more abundant than 0.1wt% in a sample can be detected with sufficient signal-to-noise ratios within about 100s acquisition time and for a laser irradiance below 50MW/mm2. ► Laser induced atomic emission spectroscopy for atmosphereless solar system bodies is feasible. ► A miniaturized LIBS instrument with a mass of only ∼1kg is feasible for in-situ chemical analysis. ► Excitation energy of only ∼1mJ from an infrared laser is sufficient for the formation of a plasma