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Viking gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 1, 1978
Summary
The Mars Viking Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer analyzes Martian atmosphere composition and soil compounds. This instrument provides crucial data for understanding Mars
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding the atmospheric composition and potential for organic molecules on Mars is key to assessing habitability.
- Previous missions have utilized various analytical techniques to probe Martian geochemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Mars Viking Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) system.
- To detail the instrument's capability for analyzing the Martian atmosphere and soil.
Main Methods:
- Detailed description of the Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer's construction and engineering.
- Explanation of the system's performance specifications and data acquisition processes.
- Outline of methods for vaporizing or pyrolyzing soil samples for analysis.
Main Results:
- The GCMS system is capable of determining the precise composition of the Martian atmosphere.
- The instrument can detect and identify specific chemical compounds within Martian soil samples.
Conclusions:
- The Mars Viking GCMS provides a robust platform for in-situ chemical analysis on Mars.
- The instrument's design and performance data are essential for interpreting mission results and planning future investigations.
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Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is the combination of analytical techniques of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in a single instrument for analyzing a mixture of compounds. The gas chromatograph separates the compounds in the mixture, and the mass spectrometer analyzes each compound separately to determine the molecular masses and molecular structures.
A gas chromatograph consists of a long, narrow capillary column with a polysiloxane coating on the inner wall. The coating...
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In GC, a sample is vaporized and mixed with an inert carrier gas (the mobile phase), which transports it through a column.
In GC, a sample is vaporized and mixed with an inert carrier gas (the mobile phase), which transports it through a column.
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Detectors in gas chromatography (GC) help identify and quantify the components of a mixture by translating chemical properties into measurable signals, which are displayed on a chromatogram. Detectors can be categorized into two main types: destructive and non-destructive.
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Two primary injection methods are used...
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