title: Mobile Raman spectroscopy in astrobiology research.
abstract: Raman spectroscopy has proved to be a very useful technique in astrobiology research. Especially, working with mobile instrumentation during fieldwork can provide useful experiences in this field. In this work, we provide an overview of some important aspects of this research and, apart from defining different types of mobile Raman spectrometers, we highlight different reasons for this research. These include gathering experience and testing of mobile instruments, the selection of target molecules and to develop optimal data processing techniques for the identification of the spectra. We also identify the analytical techniques that it would be most appropriate to combine with Raman spectroscopy to maximize the obtained information and the synergy that exists with Raman spectroscopy research in other research areas, such as archaeometry and forensics.
authors.affiliation: Department of archaeology, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium peter.vandenabeele@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vandenabeele
authors.affiliation: Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jehlička
keywords: Raman spectroscopy; astrobiology; fieldwork; mobile Raman instrumentation