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At least 19 records

The Athena Raman Spectrometer

Raman spectroscopy provides a powerful tool for in situ mineralogy, petrology, and detection of water and carbon. The Athena Raman spectrometer is a microbeam instrument intended for close-up analyses of targets (rock or soils) selected by the Athena Pancam and Mini-TES. It will take 100 Raman spectra along a linear traverse of approximately one centimeter (point-counting procedure) in one to four hours during the Mars' night. From these spectra, the following information about the target will extracted: (1) the identities of major, minor, and trace mineral phases, organic species (e.g., PAH or kerogen-like polymers), reduced inorganic carbon, and water-bearing phases; (2) chemical features (e.g. Mg/Fe ratio) of major minerals; and (3) rock textural features (e.g., mineral clusters, amygdular filling and veins). Part of the Athena payload, the miniaturized Raman spectrometer has been under development in a highly interactive collaboration of a science team at Washington University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an engineering team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The development has completed the brassboard stage and has produced the design for the engineering model.

Wang, Alian↗

Simultaneous Spectral Temporal Adaptive Raman Spectrometer - SSTARS

Raman spectroscopy is a prime candidate for the next generation of planetary instruments, as it addresses the primary goal of mineralogical analysis, which is structure and composition. However, large fluorescence return from many mineral samples under visible light excitation can render Raman spectra unattainable. Using the described approach, Raman and fluorescence, which occur on different time scales, can be simultaneously obtained from mineral samples using a compact instrument in a planetary environment. This new approach is taken based on the use of time-resolved spectroscopy for removing the fluorescence background from Raman spectra in the laboratory. In the SSTARS instrument, a visible excitation source (a green, pulsed laser) is used to generate Raman and fluorescence signals in a mineral sample. A spectral notch filter eliminates the directly reflected beam. A grating then disperses the signal spectrally, and a streak camera provides temporal resolution. The output of the streak camera is imaged on the CCD (charge-coupled device), and the data are read out electronically. By adjusting the sweep speed of the streak camera, anywhere from picoseconds to milliseconds, it is possible to resolve Raman spectra from numerous fluorescence spectra in the same sample. The key features of SSTARS include a compact streak tube capable of picosecond time resolution for collection of simultaneous spectral and temporal information, adaptive streak tube electronics that can rapidly change from one sweep rate to another over ranges of picoseconds to milliseconds, enabling collection of both Raman and fluorescence signatures versus time and wavelength, and Synchroscan integration that allows for a compact, low-power laser without compromising ultimate sensitivity.

Blacksberg, Jordana↗

Compact Raman Spectrometers Would Detect Hydrogen

Compact Raman spectrometers developed to measure concentrations of hydrogen as low as hundreds of parts per million in air, nitrogen, or other carrier gases. Advantages include speed, dynamic range, and ease of calibration. Design concept incorporates Raman-scattering apparatus into compact instrument of hydrogen leaking into stream of gas or into gas enclosed in small space. Should hydrogen-fueled cars and trucks come into widespread use, instruments used to detect leaks from vehicles and supply equipment, to help prevent explosions. Similar spectrometers developed to detect other gases emitting characteristic Raman spectra.

Helms, William R.↗

The Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer (MMRS)

The Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer can identify minerals in situ, determine rock types and textures, provide some mineral chemistry, detect organic and biogenic materials, and identify bound water. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Haskin, L. A.↗

The Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer (MMRS): From Concept to Category-1 Proposal

Laser Raman Spectroscopy is flexible and can be deployed in many ways. The Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer (MMRS) is tailored for rover-based mobility platform and for Mars fundamental science objectives. The MMRS was initiated by science requirements to determine mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and molecular phase identification, including organics. MMRS is ready for any near term mission to Mars and the Moon. Science is the driving force for development.

mobility↗

UV Resonant Raman Spectrometer with Multi-Line Laser Excitation

A Raman spectrometer employs two or more UV (ultraviolet) laser wavel engths to generate UV resonant Raman (UVRR) spectra in organic sampl es. Resonant Raman scattering results when the laser excitation is n ear an electronic transition of a molecule, and the enhancement of R aman signals can be several orders of magnitude. In addition, the Ra man cross-section is inversely proportional to the fourth power of t he wavelength, so the UV Raman emission is increased by another fact or of 16, or greater, over visible Raman emissions. The Raman-scatter ed light is collected using a high-resolution broadband spectrograph . Further suppression of the Rayleigh-scattered laser light is provi ded by custom UV notch filters.

Lambert, James L.↗

The Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer: An Improved Advanced Brassboard

An advanced brassboard (ADBB) of the Mars Miscrobeam Raman Spectrometer is being developed. The probe and spectrograph have been redesigned with improved optics and the electronics have been miniaturized. The modified optical design in the probe and spectrograph provides better spectral resolution than the previous model and enables the probe design to be more compatible with robotic arm deployment. The CCD detector is now cooled thermoelectrically in anticipation of eventual terrestrial field testing of the instrument.

Haskin, L. A.↗

Handheld Raman Spectrometers: Assessment Report

In April 2022 the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory’s System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders program conducted an operational assessment of ten commercially available handheld Raman spectrometers. Additionally, prior to the operational assessment, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted laboratory testing of the devices, including scanning a number of samples in various containers. This report summarizes the results of the assessment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Monolithic Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometers (mSHRS): Toward highly miniature chemical sensors for deployment on moving platforms (Final Report, Phase I)

This report covers phase 1 (year 1) of the mSHRS project. Our ultimate long-term goal is to develop highly miniature Raman analyzers, known as spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometers (SHRS), that are deployable as in-situ chemical sensors on moving platforms. During Phase I (FY19/20) funding, our team focused our efforts solely on the key innovation needed toward realizing that goal: the development of the monolithic interferometer comprising the beam splitter and gratings with the appropriate design parameters and tolerances to enable Raman interferometry. We successfully developed and characterized the performance of the first monolithic SHRS devices including a monolithic version that incorporates field-widened optics. Our solid-state design approach integrated all optical components as a single monolithic unit for maintaining precise optical alignment during sensor operation, a requirement for operating in a vibration prone environment. This project has two principle activities: (1) Design and fabricate monolithic SHRS devices (i.e. monolithic device task) and (2) characterize the mSHRS devices in terms of performance (i.e. the Monolithic SHRS characterization task).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Raman Spectrometer for Surface Identification of Minerals and Organic Compounds on Silicate Planets and Small Solar-System Bodies

This summary is the final report of work on two-year grant. Our objectives for this project were (1) to demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy is an excellent method for determining mineralogy on the surface of the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies; (2) to construct a prototype of a small Raman spectrometer of the kind we suggest could be used on a lander or rover; and (3) to test the ability of that spectrometer to identify minerals and quantify mineral proportions in lunar materials and complex Martian analog materials, and to identify organic matter in planetary surface materials, all under roughly simulated field conditions. These goals have been met. The principal accomplishments of this PIDDP project have been the following: selection for flight; construction of a breadboard Raman probe; throughput confirmation of the breadboard Raman probe; selection of a laser; a breadboard spectrograph based on our PIDDP design; and overall result.

Haskin, Larry A.↗

Calibration of Raman Spectrometer for Gas Phase Measurements

Raman spectroscopy is currently used at SRNL to measure the concentration of gaseous species evolved from chemical reactions. This report documents the methods used to calibrate the spectroscopic systems in both frequency and intensity spaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Context Imaging Raman Spectrometer

Methods and systems for Raman spectroscopy and context imaging are disclosed. One or two lasers can be used to excite Raman scattering in a sample, while a plurality of LEDs can illuminate the sample at a different wavelength. The LED light is collected by a lenslet array in order to enable a high depth of field. Focusing of the image can be carried out at specific points of the image by processing the light collected by the lenslet array.

Lambert, James L.↗

Continued Evaluation of the Use of a Raman Spectrometer for H-Canyon Dissolver Monitoring

Remote monitoring of dissolver activities in H-Canyon can help operators avoid delays associated with excessive levels of fuel fragments remaining after a run. SRNL has proposed that effective monitoring can be achieved by using a Raman spectrometer to measure NO 2 concentrations in the offgas stream sampled from the facility stack. Prior work (SRNL-STI-2021-00451) measuring the offgas from one dissolution batch of High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) fuel suggested a relationship between %NO 2 levels and fragment height. Herein, we report the results of monitoring and analysis of the dissolution of four batches of Material Test Reactor (MTR) fuel. A rigorous quantitative relationship between %NO 2 measurements and fragment heights could not be established, due to high uncertainties associated with both measurements. Uncertainties with gas measurements are associated with the %NO 2 levels in the offgas being close to the detection limit for the analyzer. Alternative gas measurement strategies are discussed which could improve sensitivity and reduce uncertainty. Limitations to the precision of the probe measurements are also discussed. It is also noted that the offgas is an average of the products from simultaneous dissolution of elements in multiple wells. Detection of a high fragment height level in an individual well may be hindered by low levels in other wells.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

SmallSat Spinning Lander with a Raman Spectrometer Payload for Future Ocean Worlds Exploration Missions

We describe an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)-class SmallSat spinning lander concept for the exploration of Europa or other Ocean World surfaces to ascertain the potential for life. The spinning lander will be ejected from an ESPA ring from an orbiting or flyby spacecraft and will carry on-board a standoff remote Spatial Heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) and a time resolved laser induced fluorescence spectrograph (TR-LIFS), and once landed and stationary the instruments will make surface chemical measurements. The SHRS and TR-LIFS have no moving parts have minimal mass and power requirements and will be able to characterize the surface and near-surface chemistry, including complex organic chemistry to constrain the ocean composition.

Ridenoure, R.↗

Design and Calibration of a Raman Spectrometer for use in a Laser Spectroscopy Instrument Intended to Analyze Martian Surface and Atmospheric Characteristics for NASA

This project's goal is the design of a Raman spectroscopy instrument to be utilized by NASA in an integrated spectroscopy strategy that will include Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser-Induced Florescence Spectroscopy (LIFS) for molecule and element identification on Mars Europa, and various asteroids. The instrument is to be down scaled from a dedicated rover mounted instrument into a compact unit with the same capabilities and accuracy as the larger instrument. The focus for this design is a spectrometer that utilizes Raman spectroscopy. The spectrometer has a calculated range of 218 nm wavelength spectrum with a resolution of 1.23 nm. To filter out the laser source wavelength of 532 nm the spectrometer design utilizes a 532 nm wavelength dichroic mirror and a 532 nm wavelength notch filter. The remaining scatter signal is concentrated by a 20 x microscopic objective through a 25-micron vertical slit into a 5mm diameter, 1cm focal length double concave focusing lens. The light is then diffracted by a 1600 Lines per Millimeter (L/mm) dual holographic transmission grating. This spectrum signal is captured by a 1-inch diameter double convex 3 cm focal length capture lens. An Intensified Charge Couple Device (ICCD) is placed within the initial focal cone of the capture lens and the Raman signal captured is to be analyzed through spectroscopy imaging software. This combination allows for accurate Raman spectroscopy to be achieved. The components for the spectrometer have been bench tested in a series of prototype developments based on theoretical calculations, alignment, and scaling strategies. The mounting platform is 2.5 cm wide by 8.8 cm long by 7 cm height. This platform has been tested and calibrated with various sources such as a neon light source and ruby crystal. This platform is intended to be enclosed in a ruggedized enclosure for mounting on a rover platform. The size and functionality of the Raman spectrometer allows for the rover to carry other mission critical devices. This project will be continued at NASA until the requirements are met for the expected initial 2020 launch date.

Lucas, John F.↗

Ultra-Compact Raman Spectrometer for Planetary Explorations

To develop a compact Raman spectroscopy system with features that will make it suitable for future space missions which require surface landing. Specifically, this system will be appropriate for any mission in which planetary surface samples need to be measured and analyzed.

Davis, Derek↗