A super-resolution coded aperture miniature mass spectrometer proof-of-concept for planetary science

Mass spectrometers are essential instruments for in situ analysis of planetary materials. Ideally, a space flight mass spectrometer would have a mass range from ∼10 u to at least 500 u to enable analysis of organic molecules to aid in searching for the requirements for life; capability for high precision isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and noble gases to understand solar system evolution and functioning; and ability to resolve isobaric interferences at low m/z such as CO and N2 to study planetary atmospheres. Despite the considerable progress in flight mass spectrometry since the 1970s, no single flight mass spectrometer has all these ideal characteristics. In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept super-resolution coded aperture cycloidal miniature mass spectrometer (SR-CAMMS) for planetary science. Design considerations and preliminary results are presented including: a mass range of 10–260 u with resolution of 0.5 u or better; the ability to resolve the isobaric interference between CO and N2 at m/z = 28 u using sampling-super resolution; and the ability to acquire isotope ratios with Poisson statistics limited precision. Thus, the instrument met all design considerations except mass range, which was expected to be 10–500 u; reasons for this discrepancy are discussed in the paper.

Duke Scholars

Author Jeffrey Glass Electrical and Computer Engineering

Author Jason Amsden Electrical and Computer Engineering

Author Michael E. Gehm Electrical and Computer Engineering

Author Charles Parker