Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for Mars science

Presented here is a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) for field studies that serves as a prototype for future Mars science applications. Infrared spectroscopy provides chemical information that is relevant to a number of Mars science questions. This includes mineralogical analysis, nitr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of Scientific Instruments
Main Authors: Anderson, Mark S., Andringa, Jason M., Carlson, Robert W., Conrad, Pamela, Hartford, Wayne, Shafer, Michael, Soto, Alejandro, Tsapin, Alexandre I., Dybwad, Jens Peter, Wadsworth, Winthrop, Hand, Kevin
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing 2005
Subjects:
Antarctic
Antarc*
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1867012
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/rsi/article-pdf/doi/10.1063/1.1867012/15808742/034101_1_online.pdf
Description
Summary:Presented here is a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) for field studies that serves as a prototype for future Mars science applications. Infrared spectroscopy provides chemical information that is relevant to a number of Mars science questions. This includes mineralogical analysis, nitrogen compound recognition, truth testing of remote sensing measurements, and the ability to detect organic compounds. The challenges and scientific opportunities are given for the in situ FTIR analysis of Mars soil and rock samples. Various FTIR sampling techniques are assessed and compared to other analytical instrumentation. The prototype instrument presented is capable of providing field analysis in a Mars analog Antarctic environment. FTIR analysis of endolithic microbial communities in Antarctic rocks and a Mars meteor are given as analytical examples.

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