The use of lasers as a source of excitation for surface mass spectroscopy has been investigated for some time. Since the laser can be focused to a small spot with intensity, it can vaporize and accelerate atoms of material. Using this phenomenon with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer allows a surface elemental mass analysis of a small region with each laser pulse. While the technique has been well developed for Earth applications, space applications are less developed. NASA Langley recently began a research program to investigate the use of a laser to create ions from the lunar surface and to analyze the ions at an orbiting spacecraft. A multijoule, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser would be focused to a small spot on the lunar surface, creating a dense plasma. This plasma would eject high-energy ions, as well as neutrals, electrons, and photons. An experiment is being set up to determine the characteristics of such a laser mass spectrometer at long flight distances. This experiment will determine the character of a future flight instrument for lunar resource assessment.


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    Titel :

    Remote Laser Mass Spectrometer for Lunar Resource Assessment


    Beteiligte:
    R. J. Deyoung (Autor:in) / M. D. Williams (Autor:in)

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    1992


    Format / Umfang :

    2 pages


    Medientyp :

    Report


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch




    A Remote Laser Mass Spectrometer for Lunar Resource Assessment

    Deyoung, R. J. / Williams, M. D. | NTRS | 1992


    Remote Assessment of Lunar Resource Potential

    Taylor, G. Jeffrey | NTRS | 1992