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Producción Científica, The Mars2020/Perseverance and ExoMars/Rosalind Franklin rovers are bothslated to return the first Raman spectra ever collected from another planetarysurface, Mars. In order to optimize the rovers scientific outcome, the scientificcommunity needs to be provided with tailored tools for data treatment andinterpretation. Responding to this need, the purpose of the Analytical Databaseof Martian Minerals (ADaMM) project is to build an extended multianalyticaldatabase of mineral phases that have been detected on Mars or are expected tobe found at the landing sites where the two rovers will operate. Besides the useof conventional spectrometers, the main objective of the ADaMM database isto provide access to data collected by means of laboratory prototypes simulat-ing the analytical performances of the spectroscopic systems onboard the Mars2020 and ExoMars rovers. Planned to be released to the public in 2022,ADaMM will also provide access to data treatment and visualization toolsdeveloped in the framework of the mentioned space exploration missions. Assuch, the present work seeks to provide an overview of the ADaMM onlineplatform, spectral tools, and mineral collection. In addition to that, themanuscript describes the Raman spectrometers used to analyze the mineralcollection and presents a representative example of the analytical performanceensured by the Raman prototypes assembled to simulate the Raman LaserSpectrometer (RLS) and SuperCam systems., European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. grant agreement no. 687302., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grant/Award Number: PID2019-107442RB-C31)

The pumice volcanic samples could have possible connections to the evolution of life and give us insight about their bio-geochemical processes related. In this regard, the samples from the volcanic eruption from La Restinga (El Hierro, Spain) in 2011 have been mainly studied by means of Raman spectroscopy. The research also includes analysis of XRD, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Optical Microscopy to support the Raman analysis. The results show that the Raman methods and mineral analyses are in strong agreement with the results obtained from other authors and techniques. The internal white foamy core (WFC) of the studied pumice samples shows amorphous silica, Fe-oxides, Ti-oxides, quartz, certain sulfates, carbonates, zeolites and organics. On the other hand, the external part (dark crust – DC) of these samples mainly presents primary-sequence mineralogy combined with some secondary alteration minerals such as olivine, feldspar, pyroxene, amorphous silica, and Fe-oxide. Raman spectroscopy detected other minerals not yet reported on these samples like barite, celestine and lepidocrocite. Also, the different chemometric and calibration methods for Raman spectroscopy in elemental composition, mineral classification and structural characterization has been successfully applied. From the astrobiological perspective, the research was also complemented with comparisons to other similar samples from terrestrial analogs. The main consideration was taking into account the proposed hypothesis regarding the potential behavior of the pumice as a substrate for the evolution of life. Furthermore, the detailed analysis from La Restinga eruption is coherent with the mineral phases and processes discussed from previous literature. The white internal part fulfills the conditions to work as an organic reservoir, confirmed by the detection of organic matter and selected minerals that could be used as energy sources for bacterial communities. The external layers of the samples work as a shielding layer to protect the organics from decay in extreme conditions. Finally, here we have demonstrated that the characteristics and advantages of Raman spectroscopy could help to assess and understand the possible biogenicity and alteration processes of any geological sample to be found on Mars., The work was supported by the MINECO of Spain through the project the ESP2014-56138-C3-2-R for the development of the Raman instrument for the ESA-ExoMars Mission. The first author would like to thanks to the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) for the TalentEdge Funding at York University.

On the NASA 2020 rover mission to Jezero crater, the remote determination of the texture, mineralogy and chemistry of rocks is essential to quickly and thoroughly characterize an area and to optimize the selection of samples for return to Earth. As part of the Perseverance payload, SuperCam is a suite of five techniques that provide critical and complementary observations via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman and Luminescence (TRR/L), visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (VISIR), high-resolution color imaging (RMI), and acoustic recording (MIC). SuperCam operates at remote distances, primarily 2-7 m, while providing data at sub-mm to mm scales. We report on SuperCam's science objectives in the context of the Mars 2020 mission goals and ways the different techniques can address these questions. The instrument is made up of three separate subsystems: the Mast Unit is designed and built in France; the Body Unit is provided by the United States; the calibration target holder is contributed by Spain, and the targets themselves by the entire science team. This publication focuses on the design, development, and tests of the Mast Unit; companion papers describe the other units. The goal of this work is to provide an understanding of the technical choices made, the constraints that were imposed, and ultimately the validated performance of the flight model as it leaves Earth, and it will serve as the foundation for Mars operations and future processing of the data. In France was provided by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Human resources were provided in part by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and universities. Funding was provided in the US by NASA's Mars Exploration Program. Some funding of data analyses at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was provided by laboratory-directed research and development funds.

In February 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover will begin its exploration of Jezero crater near a putative ancient delta. Orbital mineralogy indicates the presence of carbonates and clay minerals in the landing site, which will be key targets for study. The SuperCam instrument provides an important tool for remotely surveying for these and other minerals using multiple techniques: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman (TRR) and Luminescence (TRL) spectroscopies, Visible-Near Infrared (VisIR) spectroscopy, micro-imaging, and acoustics. TRR and TRL use a pulsed 532 nm laser with an adjustable gate width, from 100 ns to several ms. The time at which the gate opens is also adjustable, from coincident with the laser pulse to obtain Raman and fast luminescence out to 10 ms or more to capture the lifetimes of luminescence signals. These techniques will operate at distances up to 7 m from the rover mast and will be most effective if LIBS first removes dust from the targets and chemistry is subsequently obtained at the same location. Early lab results show that TRR is effective for detecting certain carbonates (magnesite, hydromagnesite, siderite, ankerite, calcite, and dolomite), sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, barite, epsomite, and coquimbite), phosphates (apatite), and silicates (e.g., quartz, feldspar, forsteritic olivine, topaz, and diopside). Many of these minerals are high-priority targets for astrobiology studies because they represent habitable environments and have high biosignature preservation potential in terrestrial rocks. Raman signal strength is significantly decreased in fine-grained materials, however, and clay minerals will be a challenge to detect, as will opaque minerals such as Fe-oxides. TRL will be useful for identifying rare earth elements in phosphates and zircon, Fe3+ in silicates such as feldspar, Mn2+ in carbonates, and Cr3+ in Al-oxides and some silicates. TRL may also be able to identify fast (

The SuperCam instrument suite provides the Mars 2020 rover, Perseverance, with a number of versatile remote-sensing techniques that can be used at long distance as well as within the robotic-arm workspace. These include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), remote time-resolved Raman and luminescence spectroscopies, and visible and infrared (VISIR; separately referred to as VIS and IR) reflectance spectroscopy. A remote micro-imager (RMI) provides high-resolution color context imaging, and a microphone can be used as a stand-alone tool for environmental studies or to determine physical properties of rocks and soils from shock waves of laser-produced plasmas. SuperCam is built in three parts: The mast unit (MU), consisting of the laser, telescope, RMI, IR spectrometer, and associated electronics, is described in a companion paper. The on-board calibration targets are described in another companion paper. Here we describe SuperCam's body unit (BU) and testing of the integrated instrument. The BU, mounted inside the rover body, receives light from the MU via a 5.8 m optical fiber. The light is split into three wavelength bands by a demultiplexer, and is routed via fiber bundles to three optical spectrometers, two of which (UV and violet; 245-340 and 385-465 nm) are crossed Czerny-Turner reflection spectrometers, nearly identical to their counterparts on ChemCam. The third is a high-efficiency transmission spectrometer containing an optical intensifier capable of gating exposures to 100 ns or longer, with variable delay times relative to the laser pulse. This spectrometer covers 535-853 nm ( 105 - 7070 cm − 1 Raman shift relative to the 532 nm green laser beam) with 12 cm − 1 full-width at half-maximum peak resolution in the Raman fingerprint region. The BU electronics boards interface with the rover and control the instrument, returning data to the rover. Thermal systems maintain a warm temperature during cruise to Mars to avoid contamination on the optics, and cool the detectors during operations on Mars. Results obtained with the integrated instrument demonstrate its capabilities for LIBS, for which a library of 332 standards was developed. Examples of Raman and VISIR spectroscopy are shown, demonstrating clear mineral identification with both techniques. Luminescence spectra demonstrate the utility of having both spectral and temporal dimensions. Finally, RMI and microphone tests on the rover demonstrate the capabilities of these subsystems as well., Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

Producción Científica, The 2020s could be called, with little doubt, the "Mars decade". No other period in space exploration history has experienced such interest in placing orbiters, rovers and landers on the Red Planet. In 2021 alone, the Emirates' first Mars Mission (the Hope orbiter), the Chinese Tianwen-1 mission (orbiter, lander and rover), and NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover reached Mars. The ExoMars mission Rosalind Franklin rover is scheduled for launch in 2022. Beyond that, several other missions are proposed or under development. Among these, MMX to Phobos and the very important Mars Sample Return can be cited. One of the key mission objectives of the Mars 2020 and ExoMars 2022 missions is the detection of traces of potential past or present life. This detection relies to a great extent on the analytical results provided by complementary spectroscopic techniques. The development of these novel instruments has been carried out in step with the analytical study of terrestrial analogue sites and materials, which serve to test the scientific capabilities of spectroscopic prototypes while providing crucial information to better understand the geological processes that could have occurred on Mars. Being directly involved in the development of three of the first Raman spectrometers to be validated for space exploration missions (Mars 2020/SuperCam, ExoMars/RLS and RAX/MMX), the present review summarizes some of the most relevant spectroscopy-based analyses of terrestrial analogues carried out over the past two decades. Therefore, the present work describes the analytical results gathered from the study of some of the most distinctive terrestrial analogues of Martian geological contexts, as well as the lessons learned mainly from ExoMars mission simulations conducted at representative analogue sites. Learning from the experience gained in the described studies, a general overview of the scientific outcome expected from the spectroscopic system developed for current and forthcoming planetary missions is provided., Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (grants PID2019-107442RB-C31 and RDE2018-102600-T), Consejo Europeo de Investigación (grant 687302)

Mineralogy is the key to understanding the origin of Phobos and its position in the evolution of the Solar System. In situ Raman spectroscopy on Phobos is an important tool to achieve the scientific objectives of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, and maximize the scientific merit of the sample return by characterizing the mineral composition and heterogeneity of the surface of Phobos. Conducting in situ Raman spectroscopy in the harsh environment of Phobos requires a very sensitive, compact, lightweight, and robust instrument that can be carried by the compact MMX rover. In this context, the Raman spectrometer for MMX (i.e., RAX) is currently under development via international collaboration between teams from Japan, Germany, and Spain. To demonstrate the capability of a compact Raman system such as RAX, we built an instrument that reproduces the optical performance of the flight model using commercial off-the-shelf parts. Using this performance model, we measured mineral samples relevant to Phobos and Mars, such as anhydrous silicates, carbonates, and hydrous minerals. Our measurements indicate that such minerals can be accurately identified using a RAX-like Raman spectrometer. We demonstrated a spectral resolution of approximately 10 cm−1, high enough to resolve the strongest olivine Raman bands at ~ 820 and ~ 850 cm−1, with highly sensitive Raman peak measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratios up to 100). These results strongly suggest that the RAX instrument will be capable of determining the minerals expected on the surface of Phobos, adding valuable information to address the question of the moon’s origin, heterogeneity, and circum-Mars material transport. Graphical Abstract

In this work, the analytical research performed by the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) team during the ExoFiT trial is presented. During this test, an emulator of the Rosalind Franklin rover was remotely operated at the Atacama Desert in a Mars-like sequence of scientific operations that ended with the collection and the analysis of two drilled cores. The in-situ Raman characterization of the samples was performed through a portable technology demonstrator of RLS (RAD1 system). The results were later complemented in the laboratory using a bench top RLS operation simulator and a X-Ray diffractometer (XRD). By simulating the operational and analytical constraints of the ExoMars mission, the two RLS representative instruments effectively disclosed the mineralogical composition of the drilled cores (k-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, muscovite and rutile as main components), reaching the detection of minor phases (e.g., additional phyllosilicate and calcite) whose concentration was below the detection limit of XRD. Furthermore, Raman systems detected many organic functional groups (–C≡N, –NH2 and C–(NO2)), suggesting the presence of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the samples. The Raman detection of organic material in the subsurface of a Martian analogue site presenting representative environmental conditions (high UV radiation, extreme aridity), supports the idea that the RLS could play a key role in the fulfilment of the ExoMars main mission objective: to search for signs of life on Mars. This work is financed through the European Research Council in the H2020-COMPET-2015 programme (Grant 687302) and the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Grants ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R and PID2019-107442RB-C31). The authors would also like recognize the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and are grateful to all ExoMars team members participating in the ExoFiT trial. Peerreview

Producción Científica, The Raman laser spectrometer (RLS) instrument onboard the Rosalind Franklin rover of the ExoMars 2022 mission will analyze powdered samples on Mars to search for traces of life. To prepare for the mission, the RLS scientific team has developed the RLS ExoMars Simulator (RLS Sim), a flexible model of RLS that operates similarly to the actual instrument, both in laboratory and field conditions, while also emulating the rover operational constraints in terms of sample distribution that are relevant to the Raman analysis. This system can operate autonomously to perform RLS-representative analysis in one or several samples, making it very useful to perform heavy experimental tasks that would otherwise be impossible using a flight-representative model of the instrument. In this work, we introduce the current configuration of the RLS Sim that has incorporated new hardware elements such as the RAman Demonstrator 1 (RAD1) spectrometer with the objective of approaching its performance to that of the actual RLS instrument. To evaluate the scientific capability of the RLS Sim, we have compared it with a replica model of RLS, the RLS Flight Spare (FS). Several acquisition aspects have been evaluated based on the analysis of select samples, assessing the performance in terms of spectral range and resolution and also studying several issues related to the evolution of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with different acquisition parameters, especially the number of accumulations. This performance analysis has shown that the RLS Sim in its updated configuration will be a key model to perform support science for the ExoMars mission and the RLS instrument on the Rosalind Franklin rover. Designed to work intensively, the use of the RLS Sim in combination with the RLS FS will facilitate maximizing the scientific return of the RLS spectrometer during Martian operations., Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (grant PID2019-107442RBC31), European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant 687302)

IntroductionThe Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) [1] is part of the analytical instrumental suite (Pasteur Payload) located inside the Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD) of the Rosalind Franklin rover for the ExoMars 2022 mission to Mars. RLS is based on the inelastic scattering of the matter when illuminated by a monochromatic light. This emitting radiation contains physicochemical information of the observed material through the vibrations of its atomic components. It this way RLS will contribute to the ExoMars scientific mission objectives identifying minerals and organic compounds at the mineral grain scale. And with this information supporting the key astrobiological questions the mission will address analyzing samples on the Martian surface and subsurface.The instrument consists in four main units which are depicted in Figure 1 and its development and delivered models are described in references [1–5].In this work interest is mainly devoted to the analysis of the scientific performances of the flight model (FM) currently integrated in the Rosalind Franklin rover, comparing it with the performances of the flight spare (FS) located at INTA in Madrid. This comparison is part of the general plan to characterize both instruments to better understand the FM behavior in support to the future operation in Mars. This plan also includes the correlation of the FS scientific outcome and the RLS ExoMars Simulator, a laboratory setup located in Valladolid University [6] emulating the RLS acquisition algorithms [7], as well as the sample preparation and distribution system (SPDS) positioning of the samples. Figure 1. RLS instrument units. a) The SPU is the Spectrometer Unit, with a theoretical spectral resolution of 6-8 cm-1 [5]. b) The internal Optical Head (iOH) features an autofocus system, with 50 microns collection and excitation fibers [2,8]. c) The ICEU is the control electronics unit, also integrating the redundant 532 nm excitation laser [9]. d) The Calibration Targets will allow the calibration of the instrument, as well as the spatial correlation of the field-of-views of the different instruments of the Rosalind Franklin Analytical Laboratory Drawer [3].ExperimentalThe instrument performances were evaluated after an appropriate calibration procedure that included observation of Ne and Ar-Hg emission lines to obtain the correlation function between pixels and correct wavelengths and the Raman observation of standard samples and the PET calibration target to obtain the right wavenumber positions.After that a campaign with selected samples of very different Raman molar efficiency was undertaken. In the FM case this campaign comprised the pre-delivery experiments with a limited set of samples, given the extremely tight delivery schedule for the flight instrument to ESA. Once after integration, only the Calibration Target material (PET) can be used for health or any other checks, as no samples will be introduced into the sealed ultra-clean zone of the analytical laboratory drawer (ALD) of the rover until arrival to Mars. However, the development of the RLS FS (identical in every sense to the FM), has provided a unique opportunity to perform thorough scientific analysis that will be used to properly characterize and parameterize the flight instrument. These experiments will be correlated with heavy duty analysis performed by the RLS ExoMars Simulator, which is designed to work in a laboratory environment, thus allowing the analysis of samples without the operational constraints of the RLS FS. Several samples relevant to Mars have been analyzed at the present. These samples are collected from the ADAMM database, a collection of materials representative of different Martian locations and specifically the landing sites of ExoMars 2022 (Oxia Planum) and Mars 2020 (Jezero Crater) missions, which is presented in this conference. In addition, synthetic mixtures of materials used to perform calibration curves for the quantification of mineral abundances from RLS data (publication in press), or other representative materials to optimize the acquisition parameters of the instrument are analyzed (a dedicated presentation is presented in this conference).Results and discussion In this conference we will present and discuss the evolution of Raman spectra of the CT acquired with the RLS FM instrument, to verify the evolution of the instrument throughout all the steps from the pre-delivery stage, including the spectra obtained in relevant environments during the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) phases of the ALD and rover integration process. And also, the results regarding the correlation of the FS instrument and the RLS ExoMars Simulator data to the RLS FM instrument. These results will be key for defining the instrument capabilities and expected scientific performance of the instrument once on Mars. AcknowledgementsMINECO grants ESP2014-56138-C3-1-R, ESP2014-56138-C3-2-R, ESP2107-87690-C3-1-R, ESP2107-87690-C3-3-R.References[1] F. Rull et al., et al. Astrobiology. 17 (2017) 627–654. https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2016.1567.[2] A. Santiago et al. Proc. SPIE - Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., 2018. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313462.[3] G. Lopez‐Reyes et al. J. Raman Spectrosc. (2020) jrs.5832. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.5832.[4] A.G. Moral et al. J. Raman Spectrosc. (2019) jrs.5711. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.5711.[5] J.F. Cabrero et al. In: Proc. SPIE 11180 (2019) 115. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2536035. [6] G. Lopez-Reyes et al. Eur. J. Mineral. 25 (2013) 721–733. https://doi.org/10.1127/0935-1221/2013/0025-2317.[7] G. Lopez-Reyes, F. Rull Pérez, J. Raman Spectrosc. 48 (2017) 1654–1664. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.5185.[8] G. Ramos et al. In: Proc. SPIE - Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., (2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2277003.[9] P. Ribes-Pleguezuelo et al. Proc SPIE - Opt. Eng. 55(11), 116107 (2016), https://doi: 10.1117/1.OE.55.11.116107

SuperCam is a highly integrated remote-sensing instrumental suite for NASA’s Mars 2020 mission. It consists of a co-aligned combination of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman and Luminescence (TRR/L), Visible and In frared Spectroscopy (VISIR), together with sound recording (MIC) and high-magnification imaging techniques (RMI). They provide information on the mineralogy, geochemistry and mineral context around the Perseverance Rover. The calibration of this complex suite is a major challenge. Not only does each technique require its own standards or references, their combination also introduces new requirements to obtain optimal scientific output. Elemental composition, molecular vibrational features, fluorescence, morphology and texture provide a full picture of the sample with spectral information that needs to be co-aligned, correlated, and individually calibrated. The resulting hardware includes different kinds of targets, each one covering different needs of the instrument. Standards for imaging calibration, geological samples for mineral identification and chemometric calculations or spectral references to calibrate and eval uate the health of the instrument, are all included in the SuperCam Calibration Target (SCCT). The system also includes a specifically designed assembly in which the samples are mounted. This hardware allows the targets to survive the harsh environmental condi tions of the launch, cruise, landing and operation on Mars during the whole mission. Here we summarize the design, development, integration, verification and functional testing of the SCCT. This work includes some key results obtained to verify the scientific outcome of the SuperCam system., Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

The ESA/Roscosmos ExoMars mission to Mars is scheduled to be launched in 2020. Seeking to prepare the ExoMars operation team to manage the engineering and scientific challenges arising from the Rosalind Franklin rover soon operating at Oxia Planum, a rover prototype equipped with representative ExoMars navigation and analytical systems was recently used in two mission simulations (ExoFit trials)The first field test was carried out in Tabernas (Spain), a desertic area characterized by the presence of clays, partially altered sedimentary rocks and efflorescence salts. The second ExoFit trial was performed in the Atacama Desert (Chile), in a sandy flat land displaying diorite-boulders, clays patches and evaporites.The Raman Laser Simulator (RLS) team participated in both simulations: portable spectrometers were used to determine the mineralogical composition of subsoil samples collected by the rover-drill and to investigate the possible presence of biomarkers. In-situ analysis were carried out by means of the RAD 1 system (Raman Demonstrator), which is a portable spectrometer that follows the same geometrical concept and spectral characteristics of the RLS flight model (FM).In the case of Tabernas trial, additional analysis were performed using the RLS qualification model (EQM2) which at the moment was the most reliable tool to understand the scientific outcome that could derive from the RLS operating on Mars.Prior to analysis, geological samples were crushed and sieved to replicate the granulometry of the powdered material produced by the ExoMars crusher. After flattening, from 8 to 10 spots were analyzed and Raman data and interpreted.From each site, two cores were drilled and analyzed. On one side, the main mineralogical phases detected in the first Atacama core are quartz and calcium carbonate. In addition to those, the mineralogy of the second core also includes hematite and calcium sulphate.On the other side, RAD 1 spectra gathered from Almeria core-samples confirmed the presence of quartz as main mineralogical phase. However, peaks of medium intensity at 146 and 1086 cm-1 were also observed, confirming the detection of rutile and calcium carbonate respectively. The same samples were further characterized by means of the RLS-EQM2 system: beside confirming the detection of the abovementioned mineral phases, additional Raman biomarkers-related peaks were also found.Even though deeper Raman analysis of ExoFit samples need to be performed, the preliminary results gathered in-situ suggests that Raman spectroscopy could play a kay role in the fulfillment of the ExoMars mission objectives.

Producción Científica, This work presents the latest chemometric tools developed by the RLS science team to optimize the scientific outcome of the Raman system onboard the ExoMars 2022 rover. Feldspar, pyroxene and olivine samples were first analyzed through the RLS ExoMars Simulator to determine the spectroscopic indicators to be used for a proper discrimination of mineral phases on Mars. Being the main components of Martian basaltic rocks, lepidocrocite, augite and forsterite were then used as mineral proxies to prepare binary mixtures. By emulating the operational constraints of the RLS, Raman datasets gathered from laboratory mixtures were used to build external calibration curves. Providing excellent coefficients of determination (R2 0.9942÷0.9997), binary curves were finally used to semi-quantify ternary mixtures of feldspar, pyroxene and olivine minerals. As Raman results are in good agreement with real concentration values, this work suggests the RLS could be effectively used to perform semi-quantitative mineralogical studies of the basaltic geological units found at Oxia Planum. As such, crucial information about the geological evolution of Martian Crust could be extrapolated. In light of the outstanding scientific impact this analytical method could have for the ExoMars mission, further methodological improvements to be discussed in a dedicated work are finally proposed., Consejo Europeo de Investigación (grant 687302), Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (grants PID2019-107442RB-C31 and RDE2018-102600-T)

Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful analytical technique with an increasing acceptance in the scientific community. For the optimization of the Raman acquisition, two main parameters, the integration time and the number of accumulations, need to be adjusted to the sample under analysis, as the sample, or even different spots on the same sample, can provide very different Raman responses one from another. In this paper, we present a suite of algorithms to automate the acquisition parameter adjustment to the sample under analysis, addressing issues such as spectral saturation, fluorescence, cosmic ray detection and removal, and adjustment of the acquisition parameters to optimize the acquired spectral data. This suite has been developed in the framework of the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) instrument development for the Exomars mission but can be applied to any Raman spectrometer. This will allow the spectrometer to adapt to the characteristics of the sample that is being analyzed, optimizing the total operative time, while improving the usability and overall efficiency of the system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectroscopies will play an important role in planetary exploration missions in the following years, not only with Raman instruments like Raman laser spectrometer on board of Rosalid Franklin Rover or scanning habitable environments with Raman and luminescence for organics and chemicals on board Mars2020 Rover but also with combined instruments such as SuperCam. These techniques will be part of the upcoming planetary exploration missions because they can provide complementary information from the analysed sample while potentially sharing hardware components, maximizing the scientific return of the samples while limiting mass. In this framework, this study seeks to test the feasibility of combining several univariate and multivariate analysis techniques with data fusion techniques of different instruments (532 and 785 nm Raman and LIBS) to evaluate the improvements in the quantitative classification of samples in binary mixtures. We prepared two-component mixtures that are potentially relevant in planetary exploration missions, using two different sulfates and a chloride. A more accurate classification of the samples is possible through a univariate analysis that combines the calculated concentration indicators for Raman and LIBS. On the other hand, multivariate analysis was run on Raman, LIBS, and Raman + LIBS low-level fused data sets. The results showed a better improvement when fusing LIBS and Raman when compared with the redundant fusion but not a systematic improvement when compared with individual sets. We demonstrate that a quantification of the mineral abundances in binary mixtures can be obtained from Raman and LIBS data using univariate and multivariate analysis techniques, being the latter remarkably better, moving from performances of classification, in the whole range of concentrations, that could be over the 10% to values under 3.5%. Furthermore, the fusion of data coming from these techniques improves the classification limit with respect to the individual techniques. Thus, besides the (evident) hardware convenience of combining LIBS with 532-nm Raman, there could be analytical advantages as well., With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737)

The ExoMars rover, scheduled to be launched in 2020, will be equipped with a novel and diverse payload. It will also include a drill to collect subsurface samples (from 0- to 2-m depth) and deliver them to the rover analytical laboratory, where it will be possible to perform combined science between instruments. For the first time, the exact same sample target areas will be investigated using complementary analytical methods—infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, and laser desorption mass spectrometry—to establish mineralogical and organic chemistry composition. Fundamental for implementing this cooperative science strategy is the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) calibration target (CT). The RLS CT features a polyethylene terephthalate disk used for RLS calibration and verification of the instrument during the mission. In addition, special patterns have been recorded on the RLS CT disk that the other instruments can detect and employ to determine their relative position. In this manner, the RLS CT ensures the spatial correlation between the three analytical laboratory instruments: MicrOmega, RLS, and MOMA. The RLS CT has been subjected to a series of tests to qualify it for space utilization and to characterize its behavior during the mission. The results from the joint work performed by the RLS and MicrOmega instrument teams confirm the feasibility of the “combined science” approach envisioned for ExoMars rover operations, whose science return is optimized when complementing the RLS and MicrOmega joint analysis with the autonomous RLS operation., With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737); Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO) under references ESP2014‐56138‐C3‐2‐R and ESP2107‐87690‐C3‐1‐R.

Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is the Pasteur Payload instrument of the ExoMars mission that will perform Raman spectroscopy for the first time in a planetary space mission. RLS main units are: SPU (SPectrometer Unit), iOH (internal Optical Head), and ICEU (Instrument Control and Excitation Unit), that includes the laser for samples excitation purposes. The iOH focuses the excitation laser into the crushed samples (located at the ALD, Analytical Laboratory Drawer, carrousel) through the excitation path, and collects the Raman emission from the sample (collection path). Its original design presented a high laser trace reaching to the SPU detector, and although a certain level was required for instrument calibration, the found level was expected to be capable of degrading the acquired spectra confounding some Raman peaks. So, the iOH optical and opto-mechanical designs were needed to be updated from the BB (Bread Board) to the engineering and qualification model (iOH EQM), in order to fix the desired amount of laser trace, and after the fabrication and the commitment of the commercial elements, the assembly and integration verification (AIV) process was carried out. Considering the results obtained during the EQM integration verification and the first functional tests, the RLS calibration target (CT) emission analysis, additional changes were found to be required for the Flight Model, FM. In this paper, the RLS iOH designs and functional tests evolutions for the different models are summarized, focusing on the iOH AIV process and emphasizing on the iOH performance evaluation (by using CT spectra) from the re-design activities., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Grant Numbers: ESP2013‐48427‐C3‐3, ESP2014‐56138‐C3‐3‐R; With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737)

Producción Científica, This work aims to evaluate whether the multi-point analysis the ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) will perform on powdered samples could serve to classify ultramafc rocks on Mars. To do so, the RLS ExoMars Simulator was used to study terrestrial analogues of Martian peridotites and pyroxenites by applying the operational constraints of the Raman spectrometer onboard the Rosalind Franklin rover. Besides qualitative analysis, RLS-dedicated calibration curves have been built to estimate the relative content of olivine and pyroxenes in the samples. These semi-quantitative results, combined with a rough estimate of the concentration ratio between clino- and ortho-pyroxene mineral phases, were used to classify the terrestrial analogues. XRD data were fnally employed as reference to validate Raman results. As this preliminary work suggests, ultramafc rocks on Mars could be efectively classifed through the chemometric analysis of RLS data sets. After optimization, the proposed chemometric tools could be applied to the study of the volcanic geological areas detected at the ExoMars landing site (Oxia Planum), whose mineralogical composition and geological evolution have not been fully understood, Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

In the last decades, together with the technological advances, the exploration of closer celestial bodies has experimented a high increasing, with a special relevance of the missions whose objective is the scientific search of life precursors. Since the birth of COSPAR (Committee on space research) in 1964, many advances have been achieved in terms of Planetary Protection, to avoid introducing terrestrial contamination in other systems, and/or come back with extraterrestrial contaminations in sample return missions. Many restrictive protocols are adopted by space missions to minimize the bacteriological, molecular and particle contaminations, and especially harder in scientific missions, where the risk of a false positive in an analysis due to terrestrial contamination is critical. These missions search for small quantities of organic material, and any trace of simple signals of C–H, C–O, C–C, C–N, etc. bonds are the target. Many of these signals are present in all the polymeric components used in a space vehicle, and any accidental or natural contamination could lead to a false positive detection of precursors of life. In this work, a new protected technology to avoid any doubt in these cases is proposed: the systematic isotopic marking of polymeric materials used in space missions. As proof of concept, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers, with the same characteristics of the one used in the calibration target for the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) in the ExoMars mission, were synthetized in three different ratios of deuterium marking: 0%, 35%, and 100%. In addition the calibration target of the SuperCam instrument of the Mars 2020 mission also includes a sample of PET. The polymeric characterization by Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed similar characteristics, in the range of commercial PET polymers. The same analytical techniques used for organic studies, on board of the ExoMars laboratory, were used for this study: Raman spectroscopy, and Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results showed that both marked compositions could be unequivocally identified, due to the expected differences caused by the increasing of mass of the marked hydrogen atoms. The materials were subjected to the outgassing test, according to ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C standard, of mandatory compliance for every material used in a space mission following the European standards ECSS, to test the validity for space use. All materials, marked and unmarked, passed this test, and even a slight improvement in RML could be observed in the fully deuterium marked (100%) PET, probably caused by its higher weight, but further studies are needed to verify this trend., With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737)

In the present work, NIR, LIBS, Raman and XRD techniques have been complementarily used to carry out a comprehensive characterization of a terrestrial analogue selected from the Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure (CBIS). The obtained data clearly highlight the key role of Raman spectroscopy in the detection of minor and trace compounds, through which inferences about geological processes occurred in the CBIS can be extrapolated. Beside the use of commercial systems, further Raman analyses were performed by the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) ExoMars Simulator. This instrument representsthe most reliable tool to effectively predict the scientific capabilities of the ExoMars/Raman system that will be deployed on Mars in 2021. By emulating the analytical procedures and operational restrictions established by the ExoMars mission rover design, it was proved that the RLS ExoMars Simulator is able to detect the amorphization of quartz, which constitutes an analytical clue of the impact origin of craters. On the other hand, the detection of barite and siderite, compounds crystallizing under hydrothermal conditions, helps to indirectly confirm the presence of water in impact targets. Furthermore, the RLS ExoMars Simulator capability of performing smart molecular mappings was also evaluated. According to the obtained results, the algorithms developed for its operation provide a great analytical advantage over most of the automatic analysis systems employed by commercial Raman instruments, encouraging its application for many additional scientific and commercial purposes., Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

The Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is one of the three Pasteur Payload instruments located within the rover analytical laboratory drawer (ALD), for ESA’s Aurora exploration programme, ExoMars 2020 mission. The instrument will analyse the crushed surface and subsurface samples that are positioned below the Raman optical head by the ALD carousel. The RLS engineering and qualification model (EQM) was delivered to ESA at the end of 2017, after a wide technical and scientific test characterization campaign. The scientific campaign comprised instrument calibration and detailed evaluation of the scientific requirements and overall performance. For spectral calibration, continuous emission standard lamps (such as Hg-Ar, Ne, and Xe) were utilized, as well as Raman spectra of pure liquids typically used as standards (cyclohexane and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)). In addition, Raman spectra of the RLS calibration target (CT), a small disc of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were obtained at various temperatures. This target, placed inside the rover, will be used for both Instrument health checks and calibration activities throughout Mars operations. For the scientific requirements and performance evaluations, several liquid and solid samples were analysed under a wide range of ambient conditions. The obtained spectral band parameters (peak position, relative peak intensity, peak width, and peak profile) were evaluated. Also, the instrument response (in terms of SNR) was characterized at different integration times and detector operating temperatures. In this paper, we provide a description of the development, verification, functional test, and overall scientific performance of the RLS instrument developed for ExoMars. Particular attention is placed on the performance of the EQM, which is the most representative instrument, in terms of engineering and functionality, of the flight model (FM) and in addition is used for performing all the mechanical, thermal, and radiation tests necessary for space qualification (for planetary applications). The data presented and analysed here, comprise part of the overall dataset obtained during the full instrument characterization campaign conducted at INTA before and during delivery and integration of the EQM in the rover ALD at TAS-I facilities (Torino, Italy). The results obtained confirm that the full functionality and scientific performance of the RLS instrument was maintained after integration., Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

Producción Científica, The multi analytical study of terrestrial analogues is a useful strategy to deepen the knowledge about the geological and environmental evolution of Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies. In spite of the increasing importance that LIBS, NIR and Raman techniques are acquiring in the field of space exploration, there is a lack web-based platform providing free access to a wide multi-spectral database of terrestrial analogue materials. The Planetary Terrestrial Analogue Library (PTAL) project aims at responding to this critical need by developing and providing free web accessibility to LIBS, NIR and Raman data from more than 94 terrestrial analogues selected according to their congruence with Martian geological contexts. In this framework, the present manuscript provides the scientific community with a complete overview of the over 4500 Raman spectra collected to feed the PTAL database. Raman data, obtained through the complementary use of laboratory and spacecraft-simulator systems, confirmed the effectiveness of this spectroscopic technique for the detection of major and minor mineralogical phases of the samples, the latter being of critical importance for the recognition of geological processes that could have occurred on Mars and other planets. In light of the forthcoming missions to Mars, the results obtained through the RLS ExoMars Simulator offer a valuable insight on the scientific outcome that could derive from the RLS spectrometer that will soon land on Mars as part of the ExoMars rover payload. (13) (PDF) PTAL multi-spectral database of planetary terrestrial analogues: Raman data overview. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348675482_PTAL_multi-spectral_database_of_planetary_terrestrial_analogues_Raman_data_overview [accessed Apr 19 2021]., Proyecto MINECO Retos de la Sociedad. Ref. ESP2017-87690-C3-1-R

The outcrop of “Las Arenas” volcano in Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain) has been presented as Terrestrial volcanic analog for ancient Mars, showing a great variety of alteration processes and interesting mineralogy. The current analysis has been done by means of measurement techniques used or proposed on Martian studies. The new analysis of the zeolite has been carried out using Raman spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy, Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). The zeolite has been carefully analyzed using vibrational spectroscopy and it has been identified as Ca-phillipsite. The other techniques support and confirm the results. The measurements and results using the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) simulator system show the capabilities RLS system in the ESA Exo- Mars mission. The chemometrical methods for the vibrational mineral detection show the advantages of Raman spectroscopy to understand the possible geological context. Furthermore, the proposed diagenesis and formation of the zeolites in southern part of Tenerife island have been confirmed by the twin space prototypes used. A new hypothesis about the origin for the special case of “Las Arenas” volcano Ca-phillipsite has been proposed. Finally, a multi-complementary comparison among the different techniques used on the current studie has been done and, also an analogy with the next space mission has been established. These analyses emphasize the strength of the different techniques and the working synergy of the different techniques together for planetary space missions.

In the framework of the ESA's Aurora Exploration Programme and, in particular, of the ExoMars mission, the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) will be in charge of performing out planetary Raman spectroscopy for the first time. The instrument is located inside the Rover at the Analytical Drawer (ALD) and will analyze powdered samples obtained from the Martian subsurface in order to determine the geochemistry content and elemental composition of the minerals under study. After the RLS instrument successful qualification, the Flight Model (FM) development and the acceptance verification activities started. Among the different units RLS is composed on, i.e. its three main units that are interconnected by optical fibers and electrical harness, iOH (Internal Optical Head), SPU (Spectrometer Unit) and ICEU (Instrument control and Excitation Unit) which also contains the Raman excitation laser diode, iOH FM information can be found in this paper. RLS iOH unit is in charge of focusing the Raman excitation signal onto the sample, receiving the Raman signal emitted by the sample and focusing this signal in the output optical fiber that is directly connected to SPU unit. As for the rest of RLS instrument FM subunits, and before their final assembly and system level tests, RLS iOH FM exhaustive and complete characterization process was carried out, not only at room conditions but also at relevant environmental conditions: vacuum condition along the operational temperature range with acceptance margins (from -50 to 8C). In this paper, and after to carry out the RLS iOH FM proper integration and alignment process, the activities accomplished during the performance verification and the obtained results are reported on.

Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is the Pasteur Payload instrument of the ExoMars mission, within the ESA’s Aurora Exploration Programme, that will perform for the first time in an out planetary mission Raman spectroscopy. RLS is composed by SPU (Spectrometer Unit), iOH (Internal Optical Head), and ICEU (Instrument Control and Excitation Unit). iOH focuses the excitation laser on the samples (excitation path), and collects the Raman emission from the sample (collection path, composed on collimation system and filtering system). Its original design presented a high laser trace reaching to the detector, and although a certain level of laser trace was required for calibration purposes, the high level degrades the Signal to Noise Ratio confounding some Raman peaks. So, after the bread board campaign, some light design modifications were implemented in order to fix the desired amount of laser trace, and after the fabrication and the commitment of the commercial elements, the assembly and integration verification process was carried out. A brief description of the iOH design update for the engineering and qualification model (iOH EQM) as well as the assembly process are briefly described in this papers. In addition, the integration verification and the first functional tests, carried out with the RLS calibration target (CT), results are reported on.

A structural analysis of Rare-Earth (RE3+) doped fluoro-tellurite glasses (85TeO2-10PbF2-2.5AlF3-2.5REF3 – in mol%) has been carried out by Raman spectroscopy, at 633, 785 and 1064 nm laser power excitation (RE3+= Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+ and Yb3+). ATR-FTIR, MGM, SEM-EDX, and XRD have been used as secondary techniques complementing the vibrational results. In an endeavor to have a better understanding of the structural transformations and the behavior of the TeO2 glass framework and de-polymerization, detailed analyses and discussions of the forming compounds TeO2, PbF2, and AlF3 (TPA) are presented with relevant reference to the literature. A Gaussian fitting of the bands is performed in all the TPA measurements, where the band position, FWHM, and intensity were analyzed in order to compare with the forming compounds and establish how the addition of the RE3+, lead, and aluminum fluoride influences the structural evolution of the TPA glasses. The SEM-EDS allowed the elemental composition to be obtained, the results of which present a low error with respect to the theoretical values of the stoichiometry. Further, the XRD results confirm the amorphous nature of the glass. MGM measurements show random magnetic domains, thus supporting the XRD results. The Raman analyses, carried out with different laser wavelengths, allowed the determination of the Raman bands of the glass, thus avoiding the luminescence activity of the RE3+ and over-estimation resulting from luminescence. We have been able to carefully assign the Te-O-Te intra-chain bridges such as the TeO4, TeO3 and TeO3+1 structures embedded in the glass systems, as well as the Boson bands.

We have built three multivariate analysis mathematical models based on principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to detect sulfate minerals in geological samples from laser Raman spectral data. We have critically assessed the potential of the models to automatically detect and quantify the abundance of selected Ca-, Fe-, Na-, and Mg-sulfates in binary mixtures. Samples were analyzed using a laboratory version of the Raman laser spectrometer (RLS) instrument onboard the European Space Agency 2018 ExoMars mission. Our results show that PCA and PLS, can be used to quantify to some extent the abundance of mineral phases. PCA separated hydrated from dehydrated mixtures and classified mixtures depending on the phase abundances. PLS provided relatively good calibration curves for these mixtures. Upon spectral pre-processing, ANNs provided the most precise qualitative and quantitative results. The detection of mineral phases was 100% accurate for pure samples, as was for binary mixtures where the abundance of mineral phases was >10%. The outputs of the ANN were proportional to the phase abundance of the mixture, thus demonstrating the ability of ANNs to quantify the abundance of different phases without the need for calibration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that multivariate analysis provides critical qualitative and quantitative information about the studied sulfate minerals.

Raman spectroscopy can be used for analysing both mineral and organic phases, thus allowing characterisation of the microbial-scale geological context as well as the search for possible traces of life. This method is therefore very useful for in situ planetary exploration missions. Compared with the myriad of sample preparation techniques available in terrestrial laboratories, the possibilities for sample preparation during in situ missions on other planetary bodies are extremely limited and are generally restricted to abrasion of rock surfaces or crushing of the target samples. Whereas certain techniques need samples to be prepared in powder form, such as X-ray diffraction, this kind of preparation is not particularly suitable for optical microscopy and/or Raman spectroscopy. In this contribution, we examine the effects of powdering rock and mineral samples on optical observations and Raman analyses. We used a commercial Raman spectrometer, as well as a Raman laser spectrometer that simulates the instrument being developed for the future ExoMars 2018 mission. The commercial Raman spectrometer documents significant modifications to the spectra of the powdered samples, including broadening of the peaks and shifts in their position, as well as the appearance of new peaks. These effects are caused by localised heating of the sample under the laser beam and amplification of nominal surface effects due to the increase in surface area in finer grain sizes. However, most changes observed in the Raman spectra using the Raman laser spectrometer system are negligible because the relatively large (50 µm diameter) laser spot size produces lower irradiance. Furthermore, minor phases were more easily detectable in the powdered samples. Most importantly, however, this sample preparation method results in the loss of the textural features and context, making identification of potential fossilized microbial remains more problematic.

The Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) on board the ESA/Roscosmos ExoMars 2020 mission will provide precise identification of the mineral phases and the possibility to detect organics on the Red Planet. The RLS will work on the powdered samples prepared inside the Pasteur analytical suite and collected on the surface and subsurface by a drill system. Raman spectroscopy is a well-known analytical technique based on the inelastic scattering by matter of incident monochromatic light (the Raman effect) that has many applications in laboratory and industry, yet to be used in space applications. Raman spectrometers will be included in two Mars rovers scheduled to be launched in 2020. The Raman instrument for ExoMars 2020 consists of three main units: (1) a transmission spectrograph coupled to a CCD detector; (2) an electronics box, including the excitation laser that controls the instrument functions; and (3) an optical head with an autofocus mechanism illuminating and collecting the scattered light from the spot under investigation. The optical head is connected to the excitation laser and the spectrometer by optical fibers. The instrument also has two targets positioned inside the rover analytical laboratory for onboard Raman spectral calibration. The aim of this article was to present a detailed description of the RLS instrument, including its operation on Mars. To verify RLS operation before launch and to prepare science scenarios for the mission, a simulator of the sample analysis chain has been developed by the team. The results obtained are also discussed. Finally, the potential of the Raman instrument for use in field conditions is addressed. By using a ruggedized prototype, also developed by our team, a wide range of terrestrial analog sites across the world have been studied. These investigations allowed preparing a large collection of real, in situ spectra of samples from different geological processes and periods of Earth evolution. On this basis, we are working to develop models for interpreting analog processes on Mars during the mission. Key Words: Raman spectroscopy—ExoMars mission—Instruments and techniques—Planetary sciences—Mars mineralogy and geochemistry—Search for life on Mars. Astrobiology 17, 627–654

We propose the laser-based Solderjet Bumping as a full inorganic joining technique for the hermetical sealing of a possible calibration target container for the ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer. This technique allows the adhesive free bonding in a flux free and localized soldering process. We show a finite elements analysis based optimization of a soldering adapted design for the calibration target container. Current experimental results document hermetical sealing of a stainless steel tube with BK7 and D263 windows with a helium leakage rate down to 5 · 10−6 mbarls−1.

[ES] Se ha llevado a cabo una selección de varios afloramientos volcánicos en la Isla de Tenerife (La Caldera de las Cañadas, vulcanismo histórico y la zona del Malpaís de Güimar) como posibles análogos terrestres de Marte, considerando los procesos volcánicos ocurridos durante algunas de las etapas geológicas del planeta rojo. En la selección de las áreas de estudio se han tenido en cuenta la diversidad de procesos de alteración, que incluyen fenómenos como meteorización y alteración hidrotermal. Estos procesos terrestres podrían servir como modelo de la actividad volcánica primitiva en Marte. Los materiales seleccionados se han analizado mediante espectroscopia micro-Raman, difracción de rayos X (DRX) y espectroscopia Mössbauer. Los resultados revelan que la mineralogía de los afloramientos está constituida por una matriz de olivinos, piroxenos y feldespatos. Además, se ha detectado una gran variedad de especies minerales correspondientes a procesos de alteración como óxidos, arcillas y carbonatos. Los resultados obtenidos han demostrado ser un punto de partida para desarrollar investigaciones en estos entornos volcánicos especialmente enfocados al desarrollo de la ciencia de instrumentación para exploración planetaria. La instrumentación utilizada en la investigación ha sido a través de prototipos gemelos empleados en la exploración espacial, como DRX (actualmente en la misión NASA-MSL-Curiosity), espectroscopia Mössbauer (a bordo de la misión NASA-MER) y el futuro instrumento Raman de la misión ESA-ExoMars. Además, la mineralogía detectada coincide con los resultados reportados en Marte. Los métodos de análisis Raman, tanto de caracterización e identificación, mediante el estudio de patrones espectrales se han aplicado exitosamente, donde el análisis de los perfiles Raman son de extrema utilidad para aclarar el origen de las especies minerales. La espectroscopia Mössbauer y la difracción de rayos X han confirmado los resultados Raman. [EN] Several volcanic outcrops from Tenerife Island (Las Cañadas Caldera, historical volcanism and Güimar-Malpaís outcrop) has been selected as a potential terrestrial analog for Mars, regarding the Martian mineralogy and its volcanic characteristic. Diverse alteration processes, including weathering and hydrothermal alteration have been detected in these volcanics environments, which could be considered as part of a model for the primitive volcanic activity of Mars. The selected materials have been measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy, XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results show the primary mineralogy comprises on olivine, pyroxene and feldspar. Also, a wide variety of alterational materials, including oxides, clay minerals and carbonates have been detected. The results have proven to be a starting point to develop research focused to the development of science instrumentation for planetary exploration in volcanic environments. The instrumentation used was primarily through twin prototypes applied in space exploration such as XRD (on board at the NASA-MSL-Curiosity mission), Mössbauer spectroscopy (on board at the NASA-MER mission) and the future Raman instrument on ESA mission -ExoMars. In addition, the detected mineralogy is consistent with results reported on Mars. The Raman spectral analisys methods, characterization and identification, have been applied, where the analysis of the Raman profiles are extremely useful to clarify the geochemical origin of the mineral species. On the other hand, the results obtained by Raman have been confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Proyectos de investigación MINECO/AYA2008-04529-ES y MINECO/AYA2011-30291-C02-01.

Our process of automatic identification of Raman spectra includes algorithmics and mathematical methods, and it is divided in two main steps. The first one consists on the pre-processing of the spectra. This includes reducing the spectral noise level by means of smoothing filters with adjustable parameters which depend on the spectral characteristics of the data. In addition, it is necessary to remove the baseline of the spectra, as a curved baseline can hinder the processing of relevant spectral data. To do so, several different approaches and mathematical methods have been studied, and a new method has been proposed. Finally, a method has been developed to provide robust and autonomous peak detection based on the specific characteristics of the spectrum. The second step consists on the automatic ID of spectra. For this, an algorithm which compares band positions and intensities has been implemented to decide what materials are present in the spectrum under study.