Sciencetech Inc. (SCI)

Published purpose

Based on recent advances in analytical optical spectroscopic techniques using laser ablation, a more compact and versatile instrument is presented. It will allow analysis without any sample preparation and with the analytical instrument at a distance from the sample. The instrument combines LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) and LAMIS (Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry) technologies, and when used while exploring extraterrestrial environments it will provide isotopic analyses with a precision that can help our understanding of how these bodies came to be, their continuing dynamics, and even give clues to biologically related processes. The primary challenge of this AO 6.2 Space in R&D is to determine the best implementation of combining the LAMIS method with LIBS (and possibly Raman operation) to determine isotopic elemental composition and quantification for different targets. As a second challenge, the proposal includes the development of a robust system that can be applied in other fields such as nuclear science, geology and archeology among other emerging needs of the marketplace. Supporting this technology development and pioneering this field will place Canada in an excellent position for future space exploration missions to the moon, asteroids, comets, Mars as well as other astro-biologically targeted missions