Detection of minor and trace elements by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy under simulated martian conditions

Abstract

Methodical investigations of Martian analogue materials under simulated Martian conditions are carried out with a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer at the DLR Institute of Planetary Research. The main objective is to deliver useful input for the calibration of the combined Raman and LIBS spectrometer, which is part of the scientific rover payload of the ExoMars mission, to be launched in 2013. Because of the limitations of mass and energy, the LIBS spectrometer on the ExoMars mission will have to operate at low repetition and ablation rates and it is probably not possible to provide the same spectral resolution as in laboratory conditions. The presented study focuses on identification of minor and trace elements in the LIBS spectra from volcanic rock materials under Martian conditions and for relatively low laser excitation energies.