Tunable diode IR lasers will measure gases and isotopic ratios in the Martian atmosphere and evolved gases.

TLS is tested for leaks during integration.

The TLS foreoptics with the lasers and collimators.

We have extended our instrument prototyping of near-IR laser spectrometers for H₂O and CO₂ and their isotopomers by building and testing a Protoflight Spectrometer specifically suited for Mars Scout and Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) applications. The Protoflight Spectrometer includes a redesign of our electronics board to include only flight-qualified parts, and development of a laser source at 1.87 mm from a group of 20 flight-qualified devices that we are producing. The Protoflight Spectrometer is undergoing therm-vac, vibration, and high-G testing to ensure its broad applicability to current and future Mars Scout and MSL Missions.

The development of near-IR tunable diode laser spectrometers (TLS) for measurement of H₂O and CO₂ and their isotopomers will enable several investigations. This includes determining the quantity of adsorbed H₂O O and CO₂ in Martian soil, quantifying subsurface, surface, and atmospheric water, the abundance of volatile-bearing minerals, and identifying climate records.

The laser spectrometer development is useful for three Mars applications: (1) high-impact surface sampling probes; (2) balloon, lander or rover surface stations; and (3) sub-surface exploration such as cryobots or deep-drilling probes. Because tunable laser spectrometers are so readily light-weighted (200 g), with high sensitivity, fast response, low power, and minimum interference, they are accepted as the standard for water and carbon dioxide measurements on Mars.