LiRS Combined LIBS and DUV Raman Spectrometer for Astrobiology

The LiRS combined LIBS and Raman spectrometer elegantly integrates laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using 1064 nm excitation for elemental composition, deep UV (DUV) Raman using 248.6 nm excitation to provide information on the bonding structure of the elements, fluorescence for the ppm sensitive detection of the presence of organics, and a bore-sighted colour micro-imager for complementary information on the sample morphology, LIBS plume, and resultant crater. This paper discusses the LiRS laboratory breadboard and the associated relevant laboratory and thermal-vacuum validations. LiRS is applicable to the analysis of both solid and liquid samples for their mineralogy, organics, and bioindicators. The potential space mission applications for this technology for beyond LEO astrobiology are discussed.