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The unique characteristics of micro-FTIR spectroscopy for the study of individual interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are discussed: (1) quick and nondestructive identification of dominant silicate phases (pyroxenes, olivines, layer lattice silicates) and selection of unique IDPs for subsequent intensive study by complementary analytical techniques; (2) identification of potential carbonaceous carrier phases of isotopic anomalies; (3) measurement of IR absorption features in IDPs that can be compared with IR emission features obtained by telescopic observations from comets and protostars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Presents research which argues for the existence of highly acidic lakes and ground waters in the North American Permian period. Where evaporites are located; Use of laser Raman microprobe analysis; Modern analogues of such systems; Traits of systems; Implications of research. more...

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Fossil remains of the most ancient, minute forms of life on Earth and other planets are hard to recognize. Schopf et al. claim to have identified the biological remnant material known as kerogen in microscopic entities in rock by using Raman spectroscopic analysis. On the basis of a substantial body of published evidence, however, we contend that the Raman spectra of Schopf et al. indicate that these are disordered carbonaceous materials of indeterminate origin. We maintain that Raman spectroscopy cannot be used to identify microfossils unambiguously, although it is a useful technique for pinpointing promising microscopic entities for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...