Near Infrared (NIR) Spectrometry

Near infrared (NIR) spectrometry is a versatile non-destructive remote sensing tool that is widely deployed on robotic missions across the Solar System, including surface and orbital platforms such as the ExoMars rover, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Cassini-Huygens and Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer. Its primary use is in characterising the composition of planetary surfaces. At AstrobiologyOU, NIR spectrometry allows us to gain a ‘spacecraft-eye-view’ of processes of astrobiological relevance, such as the clays produced under martian conditions in the presence and absence of microorganisms, or salts that form during freezing under icy moon surface conditions.

Description

The spectrometer collects light between 1000 and 2500 nm in either transmission or reflectance mode. By means of a fibre optic vacuum feedthrough, the instrument can be integrated with most of the OU’s planetary environment simulation chambers for maximum versatility (in reflectance mode only). A handheld contact probe can also be used for benchtop measurements, allowing rapid characterisation of geological samples at ambient laboratory conditions. The detector is actively cooled (45 °C vs. ambient) for a high signal/noise ratio, and a variety of exchangeable slits are available allowing the user to further optimise signal vs. spectral resolution.

Specification

Available slits and spectral resolution (full-width half-maximum):

The NIR spectrometer has:

• Transmission/reflectance stage
• Variable pathlength cuvette holder
• Contact probe

Contact

For all enquiries please visit our Contact page