Next Generation Spectroscopic Techniques and Methods for Planetary Exploration

Abstract

This dissertation covers the various stages of instrument development for planetary science. The first section introduces key concepts, including Raman spectroscopy, spatial heterodyne Raman spectroscopy (SHRSy), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The second chapter examines the viability of a monolithic spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (mSHRS) for planetary missions by testing its performance, coupled with an intensified charge-coupled device, on several samples relevant to planetary science. The results of these tests are compared with those from other spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometers (SHRS) to evaluate their instrumental properties and effectiveness. The third chapter focuses on how different detectors impact the performance of the mSHRS, specifically looking at signal-to-noise ratios and other key instrumental characteristics. The fourth chapter evaluates the performance of a miniature monolithic spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer in comparison to the monolithic non-miniaturized version. This chapter also features the first polarization study conducted with an mSHRS. Together, these three chapters aim to develop and refine the instrument's design to optimize its use for planetary science missions. The fifth and final chapter marks the beginning of adapting an instrument used on Earth for potential use in planetary exploration. It evaluates the utility and feasibility of implementing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology in future planetary missions. This is done by examining Titan lake mixture analogs to make use cases for the types of NMR techniques that are essential to fully and successfully analyze liquid mixtures obtained on planetary exploration missions. The analytical capabilities of NMR are then compared to GC-MS and Raman to emphasize the benefits and utility NMR provides compared to these other techniques.