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Software Development for a Diode Laser Spectrometer. Amlam Niragire Dr. Edmond Wilson Dr. Chih-Hao Wu. Introduction. For a long time, scientists have wondered about the possibility of life on Mars A lot of research has been conducted yet there is no answer
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Software Development for a Diode Laser Spectrometer AmlamNiragire Dr. Edmond Wilson Dr. Chih-Hao Wu
Introduction • For a long time, scientists have wondered about the possibility of life on Mars • A lot of research has been conducted yet there is no answer • Recently, A team of NASA scientists found evidence of past water movement by studying a Martian meteorite ( Yamato 000593) • At Harding, we have been developing a robotic vehicle for space missions specifically in the search for science for life in the solar system • Laser absorption spectrometry (LAS) techniques
The Robot • Measurement Factors: • Laser to detector distance • Lasersource temperature • Current through the laser Detector Laser Source
Software Related Hardware • Computer • NI cDAQ embedded controller • Laser temperature controller • Detector temperature controller • Laser • Detector
Control Panel • Generate control signals • Acquire and save data • Provide feedback
Data DATA
Frequency Study • Limited resolution as modulation frequency increases
Distance study • Sensitivity increases with distance
Data analysis • Averaging
Data analysis • Averaging • Base line
Data analysis • Averaging • Base line • Inverting
Data analysis • The area under the curve is proportional to the gas concentration
What’s next? • Software created worked very well • Provide insight • Gained experience • Field tests to be carried out this Spring and Summer • Field tests will focus on measuring water vapor, methane, and CO2
Acknowledgement • NASA EPSCoR • Arkansas Space Grant Consortium
Thank you Any Questions ?