The Raman Laser Spectrometer: A performance study using ExoMars representative crushed samples. (28th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perez Canora, Carlos; Rodriguez, Jose Antonio; Musso, Fabio; Moral, Andoni; Seoane, Laura; Zafra, Jesus; Rodriguez, Pablo Rodriguez; Ibarmia, Sergio; Benito, Marina; Veneranda, Marco; Manrique, Jose Antonio; Ramos, Gonzalo; Charro, Elena; Lopez, Jose Manuel; González, Manuel Ángel; Hutchinson, Ian; Prieto‐Ballesteros, Olga; Rull, Fernando; Lopez‐Reyes, Guillermo
• Other Names: Castro Kepa guestEditor.; Ling Zongcheng guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Raman spectroscopy. Volume 53:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2021-12-28
• Subjects: crushed samples -- ExoMars -- operational scenario -- Raman -- RLS; Raman spectroscopy -- Periodicals; 535.846
• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0377-0486

Abstract

Abstract: The Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is one of three key analytical instruments incorporated within the body of the ExoMars 2022 rover. The rover will collect samples from different sites on the Oxia Planum plain, using a drill capable of penetrating the near subsurface and rocky outcrops to a depth of 2 m. Samples are passed to the Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD) in the heart of the rover vehicle, where the Sample Preparation and Distribution System (SPDS) processes and transports the crushed material into a refillable container (RC), which is then presented to the analytical instruments for exobiology and geological investigation. The final sample grain distribution of the powder sample following the crushing and flattening processes is a critical aspect of the RLS instrument that has a direct impact on its overall performance, related to its mineral identification and operational capabilities. This paper provides a comparative overview of the performance of a set of Raman instruments, the RLS micro‐Raman Laboratory Equipment, the RLS ExoMars Simulator, and the RLS Engineering and Qualification Model (EQM) using Martian representative crushed samples, along with an evaluation of instrument performance as a function of the operational scenario. The results from the work performed by the RLS team confirm the capability of the RLS instrument performances, by acquiring good‐quality spectra from crushed samples provided by the SPDS, whose science return can be further optimized when improving the RLS instrument operation sequence. Abstract : The Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is one of three key analytical instruments incorporated within the body of the ExoMars 2022 rover. The Rosalind Franklin rover, which was developed as part of ESA's Aurora Exploration Programme, will collect samples from different sites on the Oxia Planum plain, using a drill capable of penetrating the near subsurface and rocky outcrops to a depth of 2 m. During operation, the crushed samples are passed beneath the internal optical head (iOH) of the RLS instrument, and an actuator (±1 mm range) is used to vary the height of the optic above the surface of the sample in order to optimally focus the laser light. The instrument can scan across the entire surface of the sample and acquire data from at least 20 separate locations. The sample grain distribution following the crushing and flattening processes has a direct impact on the overall RLS instrument scientific performance. This paper provides a study using ExoMars representative crushed samples, along with an evaluation of instrument performance as a function of operational scenario.