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Researchers Obtaining Scientific Returns from Raman Spectroscopy for External Bioexploration Using Lasers

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2023-10-23 15:09:27
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We investigated the potential of laser selection in a wide optical range from ultraviolet to visible light, and then to infrared (excitation wavelengths of 325, 532, 785, and 1064 nm), in order to combine and analyze extreme microorganisms related to Earth (such as Cryptomeria elegans, cold floating nematodes, and circular green algae), carbon water compound molecules, as well as simulated mineral mixtures (P-MRS, S-MRS, LRS, and JSC-1) of weathering layers on the Martian and lunar surfaces.

We demonstrate that the optimization of laser photon energy provides (at least one selected excitation wavelength) high-end quality Raman spectroscopy for each inspection sample. In most cases, the infrared spectral range is advanced for biological samples, while excitation within the visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges is usually advantageous, or at least sufficient to accurately identify/analyze mineral phases under luminescent laser spots on simulated planetary surfaces.

UV excitation does not always provide a significant contrast in Raman Stokes response to induced photoluminescence in the studied biomolecules. The most prominent feature in the Raman spectrum of biological samples is assigned to their specific pigments, and is also considered a biomolecular feature of extreme microorganisms. The key issue of the specific advantages and limitations of each specific excitation source means that research can obtain scientific returns from Raman spectroscopy for external biological exploration, such as the optimal trading between single or double excitation wavelengths of biological and geological spectral data.

Source: Laser Network

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