Application of Raman Spectroscopy as In Situ Technology for the Search for Life

Abstract

In preparation to future space missions it is necessary to study the circumstances when faced with performing Raman measurements in a non-Earth like environment. The differences and difficulties compared to the established measurement approaches on Earth need to be recognized and solutions must be found. As an example for extraterrestrial application Raman spectroscopy with the same specifications as those onboard the future ExoMars mission are conducted to test their potential of identifying biological material on martian analogue samples. Appropriate measurement parameters for the detection of biological material as well as for the determination of the mineral composition are derived.