Raman Life Detection Instrument Development for Icy Worlds

We propose to develop the 1064 nm fiber laser Raman instrument capability to non-destructively analyze individual, micron-size particles in suspension of flow channel. In addition to obtaining Raman spectral information, physical manipulation (e.g. particle sorting) with the laser tweezers is possible with the single laser source. Raman spectral analysis obtained on the optically trap the particles in a flow channel greatly minimizes instrumentation complexity. We choose cyanobacteria as a model life organism for Icy World mission. The fiber Raman instrument will measure its molecular marker hopanoids and mimic an integration with the ARC SPLice

Liquid water is a necessary component of life as we know it. Within our solar system, two bodies are known to have liquid oceans, Europa and Enceladus. The prospect of finding evidence of extant life in these oceans is especially interesting to NASA, the scientific community and general public. Developments in life detection instrumentation is needed to fulfill future planetary exploration mission. Raman spectroscopy has been identified as a critical technique in astrobiology because it provides a high sensitivity for both organics and biosignatures in geological and water samples, with no requirement for sample preparation and minimal interference from water

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