The Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory (PSL): wide spectral range, wider sample temperature range

Kurzfassung

Spectroscopy is still the most accurate methodology to remotely study the surface composition of celestial bodies (and its evolution). For more than ten years the Planetary Emissivity Laboratory (PEL) of DLR in Berlin has provided spectral measurements of planetary analogues from the visible to the far-infrared range for comparison with remote sensing spacecraft/telescopic measurements of extra-terrestrial surfaces [1-5]. Reflection, transmission and emission spectroscopy are the techniques we used to acquire spectral data of target materials. A recent major upgrade to our laboratory set-up added a new spectrometer, three external sources, optical units, new detectors and beamsplitters to further extend the spectral range of measurements that can be performed in the laboratory, as well as the temperature range that we can cover for the measurements. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the very wide range of capabilities that the Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory (PSL) can offer to the planetary and to the spectroscopic community.