Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jan 1981
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981trw..rept.....u&link_type=abstract
Final Report TRW Systems Group, Redondo Beach, CA.
Computer Science
Abundance, Comet Nuclei, Mass Spectrometers, Particulate Sampling, Pulsed Lasers, Bubble Chambers, Ionization, Laser Plasmas, Particulates, Q Switched Lasers, Time Of Flight Spectrometers
Scientific paper
A concept for remotely determining the relative abundance of elements contained in cometary particulates collected by a spacecraft was conducted with very encouraging results. The technique utilizes a short high intensity burst of laser radiation to vaporize and ionize collected particulate material. Ions extracted from this laser-produced plasma are analyzed in a time of flight mass spectrometer to yield an atomic mass spectrum representative of the relative abundance of elements in the particulates. A prototype analyzer system was designed, constructed, and tested. Results show that: (1) energy-time focus performs as predicted in improving resolution; (2) power densities sufficient to produce usable ionization efficiencies can be obtained; (3) complex alloys such as stainless steel can be analyzed; and (4) a tiny, simple and reliable laser used in the demonstration easily meets spacecraft power and mass limitations. A mass resolution of 150 was experimentally demonstrated at mass 108, and an analytical extrapolation predicts a resolution sufficient to separate masses 250 and 251.
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