A compact tandem two-step laser time-of-flight mass spectrometer for in situ analysis of non-volatile organics on planetary surfaces

Author

Getty, Stephanie A. ; Brinckerhoff, W.B. ; Xiang Li ; Elsila, Jamie ; Cornish, T. ; Ecelberger, Scott ; Qinghao Wu ; Zare, Richard

Author_Institution

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA

fYear

2014

fDate

1-8 March 2014

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

6

Abstract

Two-step laser desorption mass spectrometry is a well suited technique to the analysis of high priority classes of organics, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, present in complex samples. The use of decoupled desorption and ionization laser pulses allows for sensitive and selective detection of structurally intact organic species. We have recently demonstrated the implementation of this advancement in laser mass spectrometry in a compact, flight-compatible instrument that could feasibly be the centerpiece of an analytical science payload as part of a future spaceflight mission to a small body or icy moon.

Keywords

astronomical instruments; desorption; ionisation; laser beam applications; planetary surfaces; time of flight mass spectrometers; analytical science payload; compact tandem two-step laser time-of-flight mass spectrometer; decoupled desorption laser pulses; decoupled ionization laser pulses; flight-compatible instrument; future spaceflight mission; nonvolatile organics; planetary surfaces; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; selective structurally intact organic species detection; sensitive structurally intact organic species detection; two-step laser desorption mass spectrometry; Delays; Instruments; Ionization; Laser theory; Laser tuning; Prototypes; L2MS; Laser desorption; in situ; mass spectrometry; time-of-flight;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Aerospace Conference, 2014 IEEE

Conference_Location

Big Sky, MT

Print_ISBN

978-1-4799-5582-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AERO.2014.6836334

Filename

6836334