论文标题
检测生命的元素和分子特征：基于激光的质谱技术
Detecting the elemental and molecular signatures of life: Laser-based mass spectrometry technologies
论文作者
论文摘要
鉴定外星人是太空研究中最令人兴奋，最具挑战性的努力之一。可以从生物元素，同位素和分子中推断出灭绝或现存寿命的存在，但是需要准确和敏感的仪器。在此白皮书中，我们表明基于激光的质谱仪是原位鉴定原子，同位素和分子生物签名的有前途的仪器。给出了用于空间探索的激光消融/电离质谱（LIM）和激光解吸/电离质谱（LD-MS）仪器的概述。在火星场景和欧罗巴场景的背景下讨论它们的用途。我们表明，基于激光的质谱仪是多功能和技术成熟的仪器，具有许多有益特征可检测生命的特征。应鼓励未来的行星着陆器和漫游者任务在其科学有效载荷中利用基于激光的质谱工具。
The identification of extraterrestrial life is one the most exciting and challenging endeavors in space research. The existence of extinct or extant life can be inferred from biogenic elements, isotopes, and molecules, but accurate and sensitive instruments are needed. In this whitepaper we show that Laser-based Mass Spectrometers are promising instrument for the in situ identification of atomic, isotopic, and molecular biosignatures. An overview of Laser ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) and Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LD-MS) instruments developed for space exploration is given. Their uses are discussed in the context of a Mars scenario and a Europa scenario. We show that Laser-based Mass Spectrometers are versatile and technologically mature instruments with many beneficial characteristics for the detection of life. Future planetary lander and rover missions should be encouraged to make use of Laser-based Mass Spectrometry instruments in their scientific payload.
