Lunar Dust Detection with Laser Optical Imaging Experiment

Abstract

Lunar dust poses a critical challenge for future exploration missions due to its electrostatically induced lofting, fine-particle morphology, and optical scattering properties. This work demonstrates laser-optical backscattering as a viable in-situ dust detection technique through controlled laboratory experiments. Using a 532 nm pulsed laser (P = 74µJ) and high-resolution camera (3.45 µm pixels), particles of lunar dust analogs (10 µm silica, 30 µm copper) across two measurement distances were characterized. Achieved mean SNR of 30.7 ± 14.7 enables reliable particle sizing. Batch analysis reveals severe electrostatic agglomeration (clustering factors 2–44) but confirms size-dependent optical scattering trends predicted by Mie theory. Distance-dependent measurements (1.0–1.42 m) quantify optical resolution constraints: individual 10 µm grains require optical resolution limits <5 µm, achievable only with < 0.5 m measurement distances or higher magnification. Analysis reveals optical resolution constraints for fine particles and quantifies systematic deviations from Mie predictions arising from cluster morphology. These findings establish proof-of-concept for laser-optical dust detection and identify pathways for mission-relevant instrument development on future lunar rovers.