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Technology Selection for Inline Topography Measurement with Rover-Borne Laser Spectrometers
Conor Ryan1,2, Tobias Haist1, Gennadii Laskin3
1Institute for Applied Optics (ITO), University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 11, 2024
Summary
This study enhances space rover laser spectroscopes with 3D topography for detailed geological analysis. Integrating 3D imaging provides crucial context for in situ sample composition and history.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Laser spectroscopy is vital for in situ analysis of extraterrestrial samples.
- Current space rovers lack comprehensive 3D morphological data for geological context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance compact laser spectroscopes on space rovers with 3D topography measurement.
- To provide unprecedented contextual and morphological information for material characterization and geological history analysis.
Main Methods:
- Outlining scientific, rover, and sample constraints for 3D integration.
- Discussing candidate 3D technologies, including performance, weight, and power estimates.
- Evaluating inline microscopic fringe-projection profilometry, incoherent digital holography, and multiwavelength digital holography.
Main Results:
- 3D imaging offers a more complete spatial dataset than 2D imaging by assigning height information.
- Performance, weight, and power consumption estimates guided technology down-selection for rover applications.
- Inline microscopic fringe-projection profilometry, incoherent digital holography, and multiwavelength digital holography emerged as promising candidates.
Conclusions:
- Adding 3D topography measurement significantly enhances laser spectroscope capabilities for space exploration.
- The selected 3D technologies are suitable for integration into future rover-based laser spectrometer proposals.
- This integration will improve the understanding of extraterrestrial geological histories through detailed morphological and compositional analysis.
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