Remote Raman Detection of Natural Rocks (original) (raw)

Introduction: Standoff remote Raman technique is increasingly highlighted as a viable method for planetary surface chemical analysis. This technique requires no sample preparation, transfers minimal to no target sample damage, and can be used under daylight conditions; saving time and increasing the number of accessible targets. The University of Hawaii (UH) in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and NASA Langley Resarch Center, has developed a Compact Remote Raman+LIBS+Fluorescence System (CRRLFS) that is capable of Raman, LIBS, and fluorescence measurements under daytime conditions from standoff distances. The instrument is shown in Figure 1. This work is in support of the Mars 2020 mission where UH is collaborating with LANL and French partners IRAP and CNES, to develop the SuperCam instrument that will be a part of the Mars 2020 rover. The instrument will perform remote chemical analysis of Mars surface rocks using Raman, LIBS, and time-resolved fluorescence...