Submillimeter wave spectrometry for in-situ planetary science

Abstract

Absorption and emission of gases in the submillimeter wavelengths is currently exploited for laboratory spectroscopy as well as remote astronomy and limb sounding. We are developing a field-ready submillimeter spectrometer that will enable in-situ sensing with a goal for characterization of biogenic gases and life tracers. Progress toward a field-ready instrument includes: the development of a brass board THz transceiver module; the development of the brass board RF/IF subsystem; an embedded computer and runtime software. Science experiments, including the study of laboratory simulations of Titan, will be performed while the final field instrument components are developed.