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Completed TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)
Modifying a two-step laser mass spectrometer (ultra-L2MS) to enable in situ micrometer-scale analysis of diverse organic molecules with sub-femtomole sensitivity. With previous IRD support we designed and constructed a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser source, which enables efficient, soft, single-photon ionization of organic molecules. We incorporated this VUV ion source with our instrument and have successfully measured hundreds of organic molecules on test samples. The modified instrument is unique and enables the measurement of organic molecules with an unprecedented combination of sensitivity and spatial resolution.
The unparalleled sensitivity and spatial resolution of this instrument for surface organic measurements supports JSC Technology Needs for advanced sample analysis and technologies for detecting chemical and biological signatures to support future exploration missions beyond LEO. It will have the greatest impact on sample return missions from asteroids, comets, the Moon and Mars, as noted above. This instrument is also being evaluated for verification of organic contamination control limits for the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, to be launched in 2016.#Improvements in microscopic organic analysis enhance the science value of planetary science missions, including the Discovery sample return missions Stardust (comet coma) and Genesis (solar wind) and the New Frontiers 3 mission OSIRIS-REx (asteroid regolith). The NASA Technology Area Roadmap ties improvements in trace organic analysis to New Frontiers 4 mission that is likely to either be a lunar or comet nucleus sample return mission, based on the National Science Foundation Decadal Survey. Trace and microscopic organic analyses will also be essential for future Mars sample return.
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