VUV-LIBS for volatile detection in space exploration

Abstract

LIBS is an upcoming spectroscopic technique for in-situ space exploration. Some elements, especially the halogens and chalcogens, however, show only weak signal in the commonly detected UV to NIR spectral range. Those elements' strongest emission lines are located in the vacuum ultraviolet range, below 200 nm. On Earth, light in this region is absorbed by oxygen and water vapour from the atmosphere. For celestial bodies without atmosphere, the spectral range of detection could be extended towards the shorter wavelengths and increase detectability for the otherwise challenging elements. In this work we present first results for sulphur detection in Lunar analogue material by analysis of the vacuum-UV fraction of the LIBS signal. Aiming at a future use for space instruments, we conduct our studies in vacuum and with laser parameters feasible for a mission context.