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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
MOCAPS (Miniaturized, Multifunctional, Microscopic Organic/Inorganic Composition Analytical Probe) for in-situ Spectroscopy is a compact, multi-modal micro-analysis probe for investigating the grain-scale composition of surface and sub-surface materials on rocky or icy bodies in the solar system. Innovative features include low mass (<1 kg), smaller size (15 x 12 x 8 cm), low power consumption (~1 W for the optical head), and incorporates multifunctional capability into a single focusable probe. Our innovative approach includes the incorporation of a focusing mechanism built into the probe, which reduces the requirements for precision placement and increases its resolution of samples at different focal planes with a minimum distance of a few millimeters between the probe and target. The proposed technology development supports combined Raman, fluorescence, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry (LAMIS), and diffuse reflectance techniques using UV (266 nm) excitation at a spatial scale below 80 microns. MOCAPS will operate at 266 nm wavelength, which allows the use of a single laser and single spectrometer for micro-Raman and LIBS measurements, simplifying system design and reducing power draw relative to a multi-laser system. The Raman and fluorescence techniques enable the detection of organic and inorganic compounds, LIBS enables measurements of the elemental composition of target materials, and LAMIS enables isotopic measurements of a range of elements of biological and geological interest. The ability to accommodate these five complementary techniques with one probe is a powerful new development that has not yet been explored for in situ planetary mission instruments. This highly versatile probe will also be capable of supporting measurements of microscopic surface morphology through visible and infrared imaging, porosity through infrared imaging of laser-generated heat transport, and depth profiles of composition by ablation in the LIBS mode. Some of the proposed major tasks for the project include: 1) Design, fabrication, and testing of the multi-modal optical head with autofocus capability, 2) Composition analysis algorithm development and testing, 3) Generation of test data for the asteroid, moon, and mars simulants, and 4) Optimization of weight, size, and power requirements. The proof of concept will be achieved by the integration on a breadboard that includes an in-house laser, spectrometer, and supporting optics fed by UV-rated optical fibers. The benefits of MOCAPS include efficient prospecting for planetary or asteroidal resources, the potential for assessing environmental damage to equipment exposed to harsh space environments, petrological and compositional analyses of planetary surface materials, including ices and organics, identification and quantification of biologically relevant compounds, and for assessing surface contamination to address planetary protection requirements. The instrument can be adapted for a robotic arm or used as a drop-in payload. A multidisciplinary team with expertise in lasers, optics and instrument development, planetary science, and NASA mission requirements has been formed to address the needs of the NASA PICASSO program. This proposal is directly relevant to the Planetary Science Division’s strategic goals “to develop new technologies that significantly improve measurement capabilities for planetary science missions.” We will be leveraging support from the NASA SBIR Phase I and Phase II projects based on the 532 nm wavelength. The proposed effort is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2, satisfying the PICASSO requirement of low TRL instruments, with a goal of bringing it to TRL level 4, in preparation for future MATISSE program support.
Developing Instrument technology to improve measurements for future planetary science missions
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