Stand-off detection of amino acids and nucleic bases using a compact instrument as a tool for search for life (original) (raw)

2018

Abstract

Amino acids and nucleobases are of particular interest to NASA’s science goal of “Search for life” because they are essential for life as the basic constituents of proteins and deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA). Their detection would point to possible biosignatures and potential life bearing processes and thus there is a need for technologies capable of identifying them. Raman spectroscopy provides univocal and accurate chemical characterization of organic and inorganic compounds and can be used to detect biological materials and biomarkers in the context of planetary exploration. While micro-Raman systems are useful, a remote Raman instrument can increase the analysis area around a rover or lander. At the University of Hawai‘i we developed a portable, compact time-resolved remote-Raman instrument using a small 3” diameter mirror lens telescope, and used it to demonstrate daytime detection of amino acids and nucleobases from a distance of 8 m. The measured spectra allowed us to univocall...

Genesis Berlanga hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Genesis know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.