Laser Ablation Sampling With Low-Power Plasma: A LA-MIP-MS Instrument for Spaceflight.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is a commonly used ion source for mass spectrometry-based chemical analysis of a wide range of materials. Traditional ICP ion sources use high power (> 1000 W) and significant gas flow (> 10 L/min), rendering them unsuitable for spaceflight, as they are too resource-intensive for planetary spacecraft.

Methods

To address the technology gap, we designed and developed a laser ablation microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometer (LA-MIP-MS) and experimentally validated the analytical performance of a prototype instrument capable of providing in situ analyses during planetary science missions. We developed a low-pressure plasma ion source and interfaced it to a heritage quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) to perform elemental and isotopic

SUBMITTER: Farcy BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12645080 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature