Astrobiology Workshop, Macquarie University July 12-13 2001

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Comparison of laser microprobe-two step desorption/laser ionization mass spectrometry with GCMS of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial rocks

Graham Logan (Australian Geological Survey Organisation)

Laser microprobe-two step desorption/laser ionization mass spectrometry (L2MS) is a technique used on various extra-terrestrial samples, with the advantages of high sensitivity, high selectivity and non-destruction. However, until now it has not been compared with other techniques on goechemically well characterised samples. We report the results of our study to compare GCMS analysis of Precambrian terrestrial bitumens with L2MS analysis of the same samples plus the analsyis of extra-terrestrial material. This work shed new light on a technique which has been used on material such as Martian meteorites and other extra-terrestrial rocks.