Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

09:57
Ultrafast Time-resolved Near-IR Stimulated Raman Measurements of Functional π-conjugate Systems
Published on: February 10, 2020
Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy for in situ planetary mineralogy
Jordana Blacksberg1, George R Rossman, Anthony Gleckler
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA. jordana.blacksberg@jpl.nasa.gov
Applied Optics
|September 11, 2010
Summary
Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy overcomes fluorescence interference, enabling detailed mineral analysis on other planets. This technique provides crucial structural and compositional data for planetary exploration missions.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Spectroscopy
- Mineralogy
Background:
- In situ investigations are crucial for planetary mineralogy.
- Raman spectroscopy offers definitive mineralogical information.
- Fluorescence interference limits traditional Raman spectroscopy, especially for altered minerals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a time-resolved Raman spectrometer for planetary mineralogy.
- To overcome fluorescence interference in mineral analysis.
- To enable in situ examination of diverse planetary bodies.
Main Methods:
- Development of a time-resolved Raman spectrometer using a streak camera and pulsed laser.
- Utilizing picosecond time resolution to separate Raman signals from fluorescence.
- Analysis of time-resolved Raman and fluorescence spectra from minerals.
Main Results:
- The time-resolved approach effectively mitigates fluorescence interference.
- High-quality Raman spectra were obtained from highly fluorescent, Mars-relevant minerals like clays, sulfates, and phosphates.
- Demonstrated the capability to observe the complete time evolution of Raman and fluorescence spectra.
Conclusions:
- Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for in situ planetary mineralogical studies.
- This technique enhances the analysis of complex mineral samples in extraterrestrial environments.
- It represents a next-generation instrument for planetary exploration, particularly for Mars and asteroids.
Related Concept Videos
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...

