A MINIATURE UV-VIS SPECTROMETER FOR THE SURFACE OF MARS

摘要

Here we present a miniature spectrometer (～ 100 g) which is in the process of development for future surface missions to Mars, aimed at measuring the UV-VIS spectrum encountered at the martian surface. Responsivity of the unit covers the wavelength range 200-800 nm, with a resolution of 1.5 nm. Great uncertainty lies in the derivation of optical properties of suspended dust in the martian atmosphere at UV wavelengths, and these parameters are required for accurate modelling of the transfer of UV to the surface in astrobiological investigations. This instrument will provide surface spectra ranging from the UV to visible, thus allowing the derivation of optical properties across a wide region of wavelength. The spectrometer utilises a 2048-element linear CCD with a Czerny-Turner optical bench, all contained within an extremely small enclosure. Presented here are initial results from laboratory experiments, verifying the concept of the spectrometer for its development as part of the ExoMars mission to Mars.