title: Planetary geochemical investigations using Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
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.
authors.affiliation: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA.
authors.forename: Samuel M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Clegg
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wiens
authors.forename: Anupam K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.forename: Shiv K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Newell
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nowak-Lovato
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smrekar
authors.forename: M Darby
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Dyar
authors.forename: Sylvestre
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maurice