A combined Raman/laser ablation mass spectrometer instrument for exploration of small solar system objects

In order to understand the evolution of the solar system, planets, and predominantly the small solar system objects, it is important to obtain information about the mineralogical, elemental, and isotopic composition of the material. A combined Raman/laser ablation mass spectrometer instrument concept for a lander mission is presented. The Raman section of the instrument provides mineralogical information. The laser ablation mass spectrometer measures the elemental and isotopic composition of the same grain or inclusion investigated by the Raman spectrograph. Repeated laser pulsing allows layer-by-layer analysis of the mineral and investigation of the subsurface composition and mineralogy.