Remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for lunar exploration

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an active analytical technique that makes use of a laser pulse to analyze materials of interest at a distance by creating a plasma, which emits photons at characteristic emission line wavelengths. We validate the technique for planetary exploration under vacuum conditions. We review the capability and advantages of the LIBS technique for lunar regolith analysis at 1.5 m distance from a lunar rover, and we characterize its potential for the detection of resources for future exploration, such as the determination of regolith water content. The limits of detection determined for the major elements (typically