In this paper to sample the planetary surface, we will make use of a pulsed laser to ablate the surface and couple the ions from the resulting plasma directly into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The use of a laser avoids the need for sample preparation, gives excellent spatial sampling resolution, and makes possible the acquisition of depth dependent information. We used a commercially available diode pumped Nd:YAG microchip laser from Litton Precision Products Inc. positioned outside the test vacuum chamber and focused to a 20 /spl mu/m spot on the target using a doublet lens, we have successfully obtained mass spectra from several metals, mineral glasses, mineral standards and meteorites.


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    Title :

    A laser ablation mass spectrometer for planetary exploration


    Contributors:
    Whitby, J.A. (author) / Rohner, U. (author) / Benz, W. (author) / Wurz, P. (author)


    Publication date :

    2003-01-01


    Size :

    80959 byte




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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