Towards matrix‐free femtosecond‐laser desorption mass spectrometry for <i>in situ</i> space research

Moreno‐García, Pavel; Grimaudo, Valentine; Riedo, Andreas; Tulej, Marek; Würz, Peter; Broekmann, Peter

doi:10.1002/rcm.7533

Cited by 26 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 68 publications

(135 reference statements)

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“…Solar System objects, a novel and compact Laser Desorption/Ionization -Mass Spectrometry (LDI-MS) instrument has been designed and constructed (a schematic depiction is shown in Fig. 4), based on our experiences with existing systems and components 32,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43] . This system is called ORIGIN (ORganics Information Gathering INstrument).…”

Section: Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Set-up To Facilitate Thementioning

confidence: 99%

ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption – Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces

Ligterink

Grimaudo

Moreno‐García

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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For the last four decades space exploration missions have searched for molecular life on planetary surfaces beyond Earth. Often pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been used as payload on such space exploration missions. These instruments have relatively low detection sensitivity and their measurements are often undermined by the presence of chloride salts and minerals. Currently, ocean worlds in the outer Solar System, such as the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, represent potentially habitable environments and are therefore prime targets for the search for biosignatures. For future space exploration missions, novel measurement concepts, capable of detecting low concentrations of biomolecules with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity are required. Here we report on a novel analytical technique for the detection of extremely low concentrations of amino acids using ORIGIN, a compact and lightweight laser desorption ionization – mass spectrometer designed and developed for in situ space exploration missions. The identified unique mass fragmentation patterns of amino acids coupled to a multi-position laser scan, allows for a robust identification and quantification of amino acids. With a detection limit of a few fmol mm−2, and the possibility for sub-fmol detection sensitivity, this measurement technique excels current space exploration systems by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, our detection method is not affected by chemical alterations through surface minerals and/or salts, such as NaCl that is expected to be present at the percent level on ocean worlds. Our results demonstrate that ORIGIN is a promising instrument for the detection of signatures of life and ready for upcoming space missions, such as the Europa Lander.

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Section: Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Set-up To Facilitate Thementioning

confidence: 99%

ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption – Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces

Ligterink

Grimaudo

Moreno‐García

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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“…Simplified testbeds were prepared to tune the appropriate measurement conditions that were applied in a further stage to the multilayered Cu deposits. 62 They consisted of a dried drop-casted aqueous solution of pristine IMEP (see Fig. 7a), and a dried yellow precipitate of the suppressor ensemble (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…13 The samples were subjected to milder laser irradiation for their molecular identification than in the case of the ablation studies (see Experimental section). 62 Figure 7c displays the acquired mass spectra for the synthesized precipitate (top spectrum) and the pure IMEP polymer (bottom spectrum). Although upon application of gentle laser desorption conditions both testbeds were affected by severe fragmentation, clear molecular fingerprints related mainly to the IMEP backbone could be identified.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review—Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) for Analysis of Electrodeposited Cu Interconnects

Grimaudo¹,

Moreno‐García²,

Riedo

et al. 2018

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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In this contribution highly sensitive and quantitative analytical methodologies based on femtosecond Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry (fs-LIMS) for the analysis of model systems and state-of-the-art Cu interconnects are reviewed and discussed. The method development introduces in a first stage a 1D chemical depth profiling approach on electrodeposited Cu films containing periodically confined organic layers. Optimization of measurement conditions on these test platforms enabled depth profiling investigations with vertical resolution at the nm level. In a second stage, a matrix-free laser desorption methodology was developed that allowed for preliminary molecular identification of the embedded organic contaminants beyond elementary composition. These studies provided specific fragmentation markers in the lower mass range, which support a previously proposed reaction mechanism responsible for successful leveling employing a new class of plating additives for Damascene processes. Further combined LIMS and Scanning Auger Microscopy (SAM) studies on through-silicon-vias (TSV) interconnects confirmed the embedment upon plating of the organic additives at the upper side-walls of the TSV channel in the boundary between the Cu seed layer and the electrodeposited Cu.

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“…Femtosecond laser pulses reduce heating, melting, vaporization, and recondensation of the sample, resulting in the attenuation of laser‐induced elemental fractionation (eg, Russo et al). Ruggedized femtosecond laser sources have already been integrated with prospective spaceflight mass analyzers and shown to deliver high‐resolution chemical depth profiles of solid substrates; maps of local mineralogy in meteoritic samples; chemical identification of putative microfossils; detection of an array of complex organic molecules; and improvements in the precision of Rb‐Sr isochrons . Because of its unique sampling capabilities, laser desorption/ablation mass spectrometry will likely be an analytical technique applied on future in situ planetary exploration missions.…”

Section: Next Generation Spaceflight Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass spectrometry and planetary exploration: A brief review and future projection

Arévalo

Danell³

2019

J Mass Spectrom

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Since the inception of mass spectrometry more than a century ago, the field has matured as analytical capabilities have progressed, instrument configurations multiplied, and applications proliferated. Modern systems are able to characterize volatile and nonvolatile sample materials, quantitatively measure abundances of molecular and elemental species with low limits of detection, and determine isotopic compositions with high degrees of precision and accuracy. Consequently, mass spectrometers have a rich history and promising future in planetary exploration. Here, we provide a short review on the development of mass analyzers and supporting subsystems (eg, ionization sources and detector assemblies) that have significant heritage in spaceflight applications, and we introduce a selection of emerging technologies that may enable new and/or augmented mission concepts in the coming decades.

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Towards matrix‐free femtosecond‐laser desorption mass spectrometry for in situ space research

Cited by 26 publications

References 68 publications

ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption – Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces

ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption – Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces

Review—Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) for Analysis of Electrodeposited Cu Interconnects

Mass spectrometry and planetary exploration: A brief review and future projection

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