UV Spectroscopy

Solar system exploration missions and Earth observation have utilized the ultraviolet spectrum to answer questions about a variety of topics from the origin of Earth to the atmospheres of the other planets, moons, asteroids, and comets in the solar system. Nearly all the spacecraft sent to other planets and solar system objects have carried ultraviolet spectrometers on board with great success. Advancing the capabilities of these spectrometers is a key effort of JPL. The existing systems use high-voltage detectors requiring heavy radiation shielding. These detectors also have low sensitivity, which guides the types of optics designs that can be used. Together these two features lead to large, more massive instruments that limit the available payload on a spacecraft. Replacing these detectors with high-sensitivity, low-voltage devices opens possibilities for lightweight, compact spectrometers with equal or better performance.

JPL’s effort in miniaturizing ultraviolet imaging spectrometers leverages key technologies within the Laboratory. We leverage this experience to develop compact ultraviolet optics. JPL has developed ultraviolet imaging detectors in MDL that demonstrate significant performance gains over currently available detectors. Additionally, MDL technologies have extended coatings for UV high-reflectivity optics and out-ofband rejection filters. The combination of these technologies brings compact ultraviolet imaging spectroscopy within reach. JPL has constructed prototypes of a compact spectrometer capable of observations across the range of spectra from far-ultraviolet (100 nm) up to visible (600 nm). This is a new capability at JPL that complements existing technology and enables complete suites of instruments that range from the deep ultraviolet through medium infrared.