Spectroscopy of Planetary and AtmospheriC particulatE by optical Tweezers (DCM.AD006.204)

Area tematica

Scienze chimiche e tecnologie dei materiali

Area progettuale

Struttura responsabile del progetto di ricerca

Istituto per i processi chimico-fisici (IPCF)

Responsabile di progetto

ONOFRIO MARAGO
Telefono: 09039762249
E-mail: onofrio.marago@cnr.it

Abstract

Optical tweezers (OT), tools based on focused laser beams, enable trapping, manipulation, and characterization of a wide range of microscopic and nanoscopic particles, in liquids, air, and vacuum. Since the pioneering work by Ashkin, that led him to the Nobel prize in Physics 2018, key applications of this contactless technique have been developed in many fields. Despite this progress, OT applications to planetary exploration is still to be fully developed. We propose research activities, based on OT available in our laboratory, to trap and characterize spectroscopically extraterrestrial particles and their analogs. The opportunity to apply OT to planetary particulate matter can pave the way for space applications for in situ analyses and/or for sample return of particles in pristine conditions, i.e. preventing contamination and alteration, unlike collection methods so far used in space exploration.

Obiettivi

The project will aim at the following specific objectives:
O1 - To select dust samples for OT (of extraterrestrial origin or synthesized in laboratory). Optical forces are affected by particle properties. Thus, it is crucial to first identify and characterize samples of interest for OT experiments.
O2 - To first characterize samples on substrates and in OT & Raman tweezers in liquids. A first aim will be the characterization of samples on solid substrate using conventional spectroscopy.
O3 - To build an optical tweezers in air. Develop a novel setup in air that work on particulate matter mainly exploiting well-established expertise also in collaboration with international partners. The scope is to build a simple and easy to handle setup that could be considered for field activity in future planetary space missions.
O4 - To model optical forces on extraterrestrial particles. We will develop specific codes to model optical forces in space or planetary atmospheres on particulate matter of any shape, size, and composition. We have a world-leading expertise in this type of modelling ensuring a correct design of the OT and analysis of the obtained results in experiments.

Data inizio attività

02/12/2019

Parole chiave

pinzette ottiche, polveri interplanetarie, spettroscopia Raman

Ultimo aggiornamento: 29/04/2024