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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Windows into Planetary Science: A Review of Advances in Raman Spectroscopy, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, and
Moulika Hazra1, Riccardo Corpino1, Pier C Ricci1
1Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Complesso Universitario di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu Km 0,700, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
ACS Applied Optical Materials
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Laser-based optical spectroscopy, including Raman, LIBS, and PL, offers advanced remote sensing for space exploration. Recent advancements enhance mineral, hydration, organic, and gas detection for planetary evolution and habitability studies.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Laser-based optical spectroscopic techniques like Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and photoluminescence (PL) are crucial for remote sensing.
- These methods are vital in space exploration for analyzing planetary composition and potential habitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in Raman, LIBS, and PL techniques for space exploration over the past five years.
- To provide a unified framework integrating these techniques for enhanced planetary studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature (past 5 years) on Raman spectroscopy, LIBS, and PL applications in space exploration.
- Analysis of the strengths and integration potential of these three laser-based optical techniques.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in applying Raman, LIBS, and PL for detecting minerals, hydration, organic compounds, and atmospheric gases.
- Integrating these techniques offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing extraterrestrial environments.
Conclusions:
- Laser-based optical spectroscopy is a powerful tool for space exploration, providing essential data for understanding planetary evolution and habitability.
- A unified approach to Raman, LIBS, and PL can accelerate discoveries in planetary science.
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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...
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A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
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01:02Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview
Ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible or UV–Vis) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that investigates the interaction between matter and UV–Vis light within the electromagnetic spectrum. This method is widely used for its versatility, simplicity, and relatively quick data acquisition, making it valuable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. When UV–Vis radiation passes through a material, molecules absorb light depending on the energy required for electronic transitions. As a result...
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