In-situ, Robust, Low Size, Weight, and Power Trace-gas Detector

In response to the NASA Science Mission Directorate's need for advanced in-situ technologies to detect organic molecules and trace gases on planetary surfaces, Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a multi-wavelength infrared cavity ring-down spectrometer (IR-CRDS) designed to enhance the detection and identification of targets of interest. This technology addresses critical needs outlined in the Planetary Decadal Survey and the Artemis III Science Definition Team Report, specifically for detecting organic compounds and trace gases in extreme environments such as on Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. Phase I of the project will focus on verifying the feasibility of the proposed IR-CRDS system by demonstrating its ability to detect targets of interests with high sensitivity, resolution, and specificity. The system will leverage a multi-wavelength light source combined with a cavity ring-down technique, enabling highly accurate and rapid analysis with minimal mass, power, and volume requirements, crucial for small spacecraft and missions to distant planetary bodies. In Phase II, we will enhance the system's robustness and improve its survivability under high-G forces, making it suitable for deployment on impactors to planetary surfaces. Efforts will focus on ensuring the system can withstand the harsh conditions of space, including radiation, temperature extremes, and launch stresses. By improving the design and integrating advanced materials and technologies, we aim to deliver a highly resilient, low-cost, and compact instrument capable of conducting in-situ scientific measurements for planetary exploration. This novel IR-CRDS technology has the potential to enable a new class of scientific discovery and numerous commercial applications in environmental monitoring and chemical analysis. Its versatility and robustness make it valuable for both space exploration and terrestrial applications, including industrial and research sectors.