Laser Transmitter Development for Mass Spectrometry

In this project, we will focus on the development of two technologies that will be key for a future Spaceborne Two Step Laser Tandem Mass Spectrometer instrument by: 1) implementing a laser breadboard demonstrating the timing requirements for the two step mass spectrometer scheme and 2) leveraging photonics optoelectronics packaging technology for eliminating the use of epoxies in the nonlinear frequency conversion module.

Laser desorption/ionization (LDI) time of flight mass spectrometry (LD-TOF-MS) instrument development toward flight configurations is a natural and relevant advancement over existing flight mass spectrometers, which typically require a somewhat greater complexity to generate a gaseous sample (or the volatile components released by heating).  In contrast, LDI can generate ions directly from a solid sample without imparting overly destructive levels of heat into the analyte-bearing materials.

In this IRAD, we plan to further refine our laser requirement, design, build and fully characterize a time synchronized mid-infrared and ultraviolet laser transmitter for the two-step laser tandem mass spectrometer (L2MS) instrument.

It is worth noting that ultraviolet lasers are becoming increasingly important to Goddard’s contributions to spaceflight mass spectrometry, and this proposal addresses a central challenge to UV laser implementation in an in situ planetary environment.  The outgassing-free assembly technique that will be demonstrated as part of the proposed effort promises to benefit the L2MS as well as the family of MOMA-derived mass spectrometers that promise to play critical roles in the scientific payloads of future planetary missions.