Towards High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry for Next- Generation In-Situ Space Dust Analysis

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Malečková, M., Zymak, I., Spesyvyi, A., Polášek, M., Cherville, B., Lacko, M., Ferus, M., Charvat, A., Žabka, J., Abel, B.
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2025
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author Malečková, M.
Zymak, I.
Spesyvyi, A.
Polášek, M.
Cherville, B.
Lacko, M.
Ferus, M.
Charvat, A.
Žabka, J.
Abel, B.
author_facet Malečková, M.
Zymak, I.
Spesyvyi, A.
Polášek, M.
Cherville, B.
Lacko, M.
Ferus, M.
Charvat, A.
Žabka, J.
Abel, B.
contents Cosmic and planetary dust hold vital clues to the chemical evolution of the solar system, yet in situ analysis of their molecular and elemental composition remains technically challenging. Here we present laboratory results from HANKA (High-resolution mass Analyzer for Nano-scale Kinetic Astro materials), a compact Orbitrap-based mass spectrometer developed towards the goal of a universal dust detector for space applications. Using infrared laser ablation and plasma formation under vacuum, we analyzed solid-state samples representative of Lunar, Martian, and Meteoritic material. The resulting mass spectra - recorded at resolving powers of R=60000 - reveal complex, but characteristic element mixtures. These results demonstrate the single event sensitivity of HANKA, and its mass resolution with the ability to resolve complex mass spectra and possibly differentiate geochemical signatures across planetary bodies. The dynamic range of 3-4 orders of magnitude enables even the detection of trace compounds. The minimalistic impact sampling approach enables fast, high-precision compositional mass analysis without complex sample preparation, making the instrument well-suited for orbital, surface, or flyby missions with expected dust impacts. Our system consists of an IR-laser system that simulates impacts of nano to micron sized solid-state dust and ice particles from space. It therefore allows to perform so called analogue experiments in the laboratory. We conclude that IR- laser pulses on a solid-state material are not only well suited for ice particle impact analogues but also a good analogue experiment for solid state particle impacts on a dust detector electrode in space. Moreover, the IR laser is employed only for an optimal analogue experiment simulating the impact event - it is not necessary in space on a spacecraft detecting space dust.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2510_12903
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Towards High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry for Next- Generation In-Situ Space Dust Analysis
Malečková, M.
Zymak, I.
Spesyvyi, A.
Polášek, M.
Cherville, B.
Lacko, M.
Ferus, M.
Charvat, A.
Žabka, J.
Abel, B.
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Cosmic and planetary dust hold vital clues to the chemical evolution of the solar system, yet in situ analysis of their molecular and elemental composition remains technically challenging. Here we present laboratory results from HANKA (High-resolution mass Analyzer for Nano-scale Kinetic Astro materials), a compact Orbitrap-based mass spectrometer developed towards the goal of a universal dust detector for space applications. Using infrared laser ablation and plasma formation under vacuum, we analyzed solid-state samples representative of Lunar, Martian, and Meteoritic material. The resulting mass spectra - recorded at resolving powers of R=60000 - reveal complex, but characteristic element mixtures. These results demonstrate the single event sensitivity of HANKA, and its mass resolution with the ability to resolve complex mass spectra and possibly differentiate geochemical signatures across planetary bodies. The dynamic range of 3-4 orders of magnitude enables even the detection of trace compounds. The minimalistic impact sampling approach enables fast, high-precision compositional mass analysis without complex sample preparation, making the instrument well-suited for orbital, surface, or flyby missions with expected dust impacts. Our system consists of an IR-laser system that simulates impacts of nano to micron sized solid-state dust and ice particles from space. It therefore allows to perform so called analogue experiments in the laboratory. We conclude that IR- laser pulses on a solid-state material are not only well suited for ice particle impact analogues but also a good analogue experiment for solid state particle impacts on a dust detector electrode in space. Moreover, the IR laser is employed only for an optimal analogue experiment simulating the impact event - it is not necessary in space on a spacecraft detecting space dust.
title Towards High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry for Next- Generation In-Situ Space Dust Analysis
topic Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.12903