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Updated: May 11, 2026
10:22
In Situ SIMS and IR Spectroscopy of Well-defined Surfaces Prepared by Soft Landing of Mass-selected Ions
Published on: June 16, 2014
High-sensitivity Raman spectrometer to study pristine and irradiated interstellar ice analogs
Chris J Bennett1, Stephen J Brotton, Brant M Jones
1Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|May 14, 2013
Summary
A new Raman spectrometer design enables sensitive detection of molecules in low-temperature ices, crucial for understanding space environments. This instrument can identify products from irradiated ices in situ.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrochemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Investigating low-temperature ices is vital for understanding solar system and interstellar medium composition.
- Characterizing molecular interactions with ionizing radiation in these ices is challenging due to low signal and competing fluorescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, highly sensitive normal-Raman spectrometer system for analyzing low-temperature ices.
- To demonstrate the system's capability in detecting products from the interaction of ionizing radiation with ices.
Main Methods:
- A pulsed Nd:YAG laser and gating techniques were employed to enhance Raman signal detection.
- The spectrometer was interfaced with an ultra-high vacuum chamber for sample preparation and analysis.
- Thin films of carbon dioxide (CO2) ice were prepared and characterized using FT-IR and HeNe interference.
Main Results:
- The spectrometer successfully detected Fermi resonance bands of CO2 ice at 1385 and 1278 cm⁻¹.
- Irradiation experiments revealed the in situ detection of carbon monoxide (CO) and molecular oxygen (O2) with low detection limits.
- Band areas of CO2 ice showed a linear dependence on ice thickness.
Conclusions:
- The developed Raman spectrometer offers high sensitivity for detecting low-abundance species in ices without signal enhancement.
- This technique is a valuable tool for in situ analysis in space science, complementing or serving as an alternative to FT-IR spectroscopy.
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