TechLink : A Novel Miniature Confocal Microscope/Raman Spectrometer System for Biomolecular Analysis on Future Mars Missions after Antarctic Trials

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A Novel Miniature Confocal Microscope/Raman Spectrometer System for Biomolecular Analysis on Future Mars Missions after Antarctic Trials

Journal of Raman Spectroscopy
Volume 31, Issue 7, 2000
Published Online: 1 Aug 2000
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/72514037/START

David L. Dickensheets ¹, David D. Wynn-Williams ² *, Howell G. M. Edwards ³, Christian Schoen ⁴, Chelle Crowder ¹, Emma M. Newton ³

¹ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Montana State University, 610 Cobleigh Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
² British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
³ Chemistry & Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
⁴ Detection Limit, Inc. 555 General Brees Road, Laramie, Wyoming, WY 82070, USA email: David D. Wynn-Williams (ddww@bas.ac.uk)
^* Correspondence to David D. Wynn-Williams, British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK

Abstract
Biomolecules, such as the productive and protective pigments of photosynthetic organisms, are good biomarkers in extreme Antarctic deserts as analogues of early Mars. Laser Raman technology at long wavelengths which minimize fluorescence is ideal for remote analysis of biomolecules in situ. We report Raman spectra obtained with a prototype miniature laser-Raman spectrometer/confocal microscope (specification < 1 kg) under development for a Mars lander and evaluation in Antarctic deserts. We compare the efficiency of its 852 nm laser/CCD detector system with an optimal bench-top 1064 nm FT Raman spectrometer which excels with biomolecules. Using a yellow Antarctic lichen, Acarospora chlorophana, we show good correlation between both instruments restricted to the 460-1350 cm-1 wavenumber range.