The Raman Spectrophotometer
Raman Spectrophotometers all have the same basic components:
Clicking on this link will provide a "Virtual Raman" tour of a Raman Spectroscope. Figure 10: Raman Spectroscopy Primer- An Introduction to JASCO Raman Spectrometers and the Raman technique, http://www.jascoraman.com/pdfs/raman_primer.pdf |
To be able to withstand the rigors of interplanetary space travel and the harsh environment of the Martian surface, the instrument design must include the following:
The unit diagrammed below is a proposed design for a future Martian mission. In addition to the basic functioning components of all Raman Spectrometers, a small drill will be added to the sampling probe in order to analyze the soil just below the highly oxidizing surface of Mars. For those units using SERS technology, a metal platform will be added to promote sample analysis.
Proposed design for
Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer (MMRS) |
Field testing of a prototype Mars Exploration Rover (MER) has already been completed under desert conditions. (Photo below.) It is hopeful that this unit will be included in the missions planned during the next decade. |
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Mars has consistently been the object of humankind's questioning nature for eons. From the ancients to modern day, Mars has held a place in our intellectual and cultural interests. Click on "Why Mars?" to find some answers to this question. |