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Evaluating Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Technology in Planetary Exploration : Demonstrating Instrument Stability and Understanding Analytical Constraints and Limits for Basaltic Rocks

Author
Hodges, K. V.
Published
[2012].
Physical Description
1 electronic document
Additional Creators
Evans, C. A. and Young, K. E.
Online Version

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Summary
While large-footprint X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments are reliable providers of elemental information about geologic samples, handheld XRF instruments are currently being developed that enable the collection of geochemical data in the field in short time periods (approx.60 seconds) [1]. These detectors are lightweight (1.3kg) and can provide elemental abundances of major rock forming elements heavier than Na. While handheld XRF detectors were originally developed for use in mining, we are working with commercially available instruments as prototypes to explore how portable XRF technology may enable planetary field science [2,3,4]. If an astronaut or robotic explorer visited another planetary surface, the ability to obtain and evaluate geochemical data in real-time would be invaluable, especially in the high-grading of samples to determine which should be returned to Earth. We present our results on the evaluation of handheld XRF technology as a geochemical tool in the context of planetary exploration.
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) Collection.
Note
Document ID: 20120001846.
JSC-CN-25664.
43rd Lunar aud Plauetary Science Conference; 19-23 Mar. 2012; The Woodlands, TX; United States.
Terms of Use and Reproduction
Copyright, Distribution as joint owner in the copyright.
View MARC record | catkey: 15980926