The laser ablation ion funnel: Sampling for in situ mass spectrometry on Mars

A considerable investment has been made by NASA and other space agencies to develop instrumentation suitable for in situ analytical investigation of extra terrestrial bodies including various mass spectrometers (time-of-flight, quadrupole ion trap, quadrupole mass filters, etc.). However, the front-end sample handling that is needed to collect and prepare samples for interrogation by such instrumentation remains underdeveloped. Here we describe a novel approach tailored to the exploration of Mars where ions are created in the ambient atmosphere via laser ablation and then efficiently transported into a mass spectrometer for in situ analysis using an electrodynamic ion funnel. This concept would enable elemental and isotopic analysis of geological samples with the analysis of desorbed organic material a possibility as well. Such an instrument would be suitable for inclusion on all potential missions currently being considered such as the Mid-Range Rover, the Astrobiology Field Laboratory, and Mars Sample Return (i.e., as a sample pre-selection triage instrument), among others.

Research highlights► We describe a laser ablation ionization ion funnel to provide in situ sampling for mass spectrometry on Mars. ► We demonstrate the ability of this instrument concept to ionize a solid sample within a simulated Martian atmosphere, and to efficiently capture and focus the ions into a mass spectrometer for analysis. ► Advantages, potential deployment strategies, and future development efforts are discussed.