Since the inception of mass spectrometry more than a century ago, the field has matured as
analytical capabilities have progressed, instrument configurations multiplied, and …

The search for life in Solar System bodies such as Mars and Ocean Worlds (eg, Europa and
Enceladus) is an ongoing and high-priority endeavor in space science, even∼ five decades …

Laser ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) was one of the first practical methods developed
for in situ analysis of the surfaces of solid samples. This review will encompass several …

The last decade witnessed considerable progress in the development of laser
ablation/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LI-TOFMS). The improvement of both …

Discovery of a remnant habitable environment by the Mars Science Laboratory in the
sedimentary record of Gale Crater has reinvigorated the search for evidence of martian life …

The investigation of chemical composition on planetary bodies without significant sample
processing is of importance for nearly every mission aimed at robotic exploration. Moreover …

The signatures of element isotope fractionation can be used for the indirect identification of
extant or extinct life on planetary surfaces or their moons. Element isotope fractionation …

Rationale Laser ablation combined with mass spectrometry forms a promising tool for
chemical depth profiling of solids. At irradiations near the ablation threshold, high depth …

The detection and identification of biosignatures on planetary bodies such as Mars in situ is
extremely challenging. Current knowledge from space exploration missions suggests that a …

In this contribution, we investigated the chemical composition of Precambrian microfossils
from the Gunflint chert (1.88 Ga) using a miniature laser ablation ionization mass …