ASTID

A High Performance MEMS Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer for Investigations in Planetary Astrobiology (2)

PI: Brian Jamieson

Our team will develop a high performance miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer for use in astrobiology spaceflight investigations. A corollary aim of this investigation is to examine the fundamental limits to mass spectrometer miniaturization and the methods that can be used to maintain high performance at centimeter and millimeter scales. Our technical approach features a carbon nano-tube based electron gun and advanced micro-machined silicon lenses fabricated and assembled using novel state of-the-art techniques. We will also utilize the team’s collective experience in high precision ceramic machining, and in developing high-speed custom electronics and detectors. An important aspect of the proposed work is the emphasis on testing, and on rapid design and fabrication iteration. We have assembled a team that is unique in its cohesiveness and in its mix of technology skills (PI Jamieson and Co-I Hughes) and experience in designing, fabricating, testing and using high performance spaceflight mass spectrometers (Co-I’s
Brinckerhoff, Mahaffy and Niemann.) At the end of the proposed three-year award period, we intend to have a high performance 1 kg. mass-spectrometer
suitable for field testing and proposal for spaceflight projects.