Raman spectroscopy breaking terrestrial barriers!

Abstract

This paper gives a summary of the Special Issue on 'Raman spectroscopy breaking terrestrial barriers?' It summarizes the papers collected and introduces to the field of Raman spectroscopy applied to planetary missions. The contributions in this issue convincingly prove that Raman spectroscopy will be essential for future planetary missions.

Soil Chemical Insights Provided through Vibrational Spectroscopy

“…However, few studies on more complex samples such as whole soils have been performed (Francioso et al, 1996). The technique has long been touted as an effective astrobiological tool in the exploration of Mars (Bishop and Murad, 2004;Ellery et al, 2004;Popp and Schmitt, 2004). For example, FT-Raman was recently included in the instrumentation of the ExoMars rover.…”

Chirality and Life

“…Vibrational Raman spectroscopy is promising for in situ detection and characterization of bio-organic molecules (Popp and Schmitt 2004). Although not currently suitable for in situ studies, a novel chiroptical version called Raman optical activity (ROA) involving measurements with circularly polarized light (Barron 2004;Barron et al 2007) may be useful for future detection and characterization of chiral molecules of extraterrestrial origin in meteorites, returned samples, etc.…”

Mobile Raman spectroscopy in astrobiology research

“…For several years, Raman spectroscopy has proved to be useful in astrobiology research [1][2][3]. Indeed, this technique has several properties that are very useful in this challenging research field.…”