Photon Systems Deep-UV NeCu laser to power Mars 2020 Raman fluorescence instrument

Aug. 11, 2014
A narrow-linewidth, deep-UV laser developed by Photon Systems is at the heart of the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument that was selected by NASA for the Mars 2020 rover arm.

A narrow-linewidth, deep-UV laser developed by Photon Systems (Covina, CA) is at the heart of Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument that was selected by NASA for the Mars 2020 rover arm. SHERLOC is a deep-UV fluorescence/Raman instrument that enables spatial mapping of fluorescence emissions and Raman scatter of organics and astrobiologically relevant minerals on abraded surfaces and boreholes created by the rover coring system.

RELATED ARTICLE: 1064 nm Raman filters from Iridian reduce fluorescence interference

The Photon Systems 400 gram neon-copper (NeCu) laser provides excitation at 248.6 nm with a linewidth less than 0.5 pm. Its sub-250 nm excitation is key to enabling simultaneous detection of Raman and fluorescence emissions. The Photon Systems NeCu laser turns on instantly without the need for preheating, warm-up, or temperature regulation at ambient temperatures in a range from minus 135 to plus 70 degrees Celsius. The laser has been tested over these temperature extremes as well as at three times the shock and vibration limits imposed for similar Mars missions without failure. Photon Systems says these lasers have previously been vetted on many expeditions to harsh environments on Earth such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and the deep Ocean.

SOURCE: Photon Systems; http://www.photonsystems.com/downloads/sherloc_jpl.pdf

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Tune Servo Systems: Force Control

Oct. 23, 2024
Tuning the servo system to meet or exceed the performance specification can be a troubling task, join our webinar to learn to optimize performance.

Laser Machining: Dynamic Error Reduction via Galvo Compensation

Oct. 23, 2024
A common misconception is that high throughput implies higher speeds, but the real factor that impacts throughput is higher accelerations. Read more here!

Precision Automation Technologies that Minimize Laser Cut Hypotube Manufacturing Risk

Oct. 23, 2024
In this webinar, you will discover the precision automation technologies essential for manufacturing high-quality laser-cut hypotubes. Learn key processes, techniques, and best...

Advanced Laser Processing Techniques for Surgical Robot End Effector Manufacturing

Oct. 23, 2024
For the cutting-edge manufacturers of minimally invasive surgical robots, precision laser processing is the cornerstone for crafting optimal end effectors. Learn about advancements...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!