Volume Measurements of Laser-generated Pits for in Situ Geochronology Using KArLE (Potassium-Argon Laser Experiment)

[摘要] KArLE (Potassium--Argon Laser Experiment) has been developed for in situ planetary geochronology using the K - Ar (potassium--argon) isotope system, where material ablated by LIBS (Laser--Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) is used to calculate isotope abundances. We are determining the accuracy and precision of volume measurements of these pits using stereo and laser microscope data to better understand the ablation process for isotope abundance calculations. If a characteristic volume can be determined with sufficient accuracy and precision for specific rock types, KArLE will prove to be a useful instrument for future planetary rover missions.

[发布日期] 2014-03-17

[学科分类] 天文学(综合)