In situ sampling using Meta-Stable Helium

Abstract

A Meta-Stable Helium (MSHe) extraction method has been developed for In Situ chemical analysis of rocks and soils. MSHe provides soft-ionization and desorption of organics from soil and rocks without the use of solvents or high temperatures. This enables rapid, simple and effective extraction of analytes for very sensitive chemical analysis. The work presented extends the MSHe sampling from mass spectroscopy to other analytical methods including Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Applications include in situ analysis of planetary samples as well as current research on ancient sedimentary rocks that potentially contain microbial remains on Earth. The new sampling technology provides a powerful and widely applicable sampling tool for planetary and astrobiology science requiring in situ organic analysis.