ABSTRACT
We present the theory, architecture, and performance characteristics of a quantum random number generator (QRNG) which operates in a PCI express form factor-compatible plug-and-play design. The QRNG relies on a thermal light source (in this case, amplified spontaneous emission), which exhibits photon bunching according to the Bose-Einstein (BE) statistics. We demonstrate that 98.7% of the unprocessed random bit stream min-entropy is traceable to the BE (quantum) signal. The classical component is then removed using a non-reuse shift-XOR protocol, and the final random numbers are generated at a 200 Mbps rate and shown to pass the statistical randomness test suites FIPS 140-2, Alphabit, SmallCrush, DIEHARD, and Rabbit of the TestU01 library.
ABSTRACT
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Deep Space Quantum Link mission concept enables a unique set of science experiments by establishing robust quantum optical links across extremely long baselines. Potential mission configurations include establishing a quantum link between the Lunar Gateway moon-orbiting space station and nodes on or near the Earth. This publication summarizes the principal experimental goals of the Deep Space Quantum Link. These goals, identified through a multi-year design study conducted by the authors, include long-range teleportation, tests of gravitational coupling to quantum states, and advanced tests of quantum nonlocality.
ABSTRACT
The SuperCam remote sensing instrument on NASA's Perseverance rover is capable of four spectroscopic techniques, remote micro-imaging, and audio recording. These analytical techniques provide details of the chemistry and mineralogy of the rocks and soils probed in the Jezero Crater on Mars. Here we present the methods used for optical calibration of the three spectrometers covering the 243-853 nm range used by three of the four spectroscopic techniques. We derive the instrument optical response, which characterizes the instrument sensitivity to incident radiation as a function of a wavelength. The instrument optical response function derived here is an essential step in the interpretation of the spectra returned by SuperCam as it converts the observed spectra, reported by the instrument as "digital counts" from an analog to digital converter, into physical values of spectral radiance.
Subject(s)
Calibration , Spectrum AnalysisABSTRACT
OrganiCam is a laser-induced luminescence imager and spectrometer designed for standoff organic and biosignature detection on planetary bodies. OrganiCam uses a diffused laser beam (12° cone) to cover a large area at several meters distance and records luminescence on half of its intensified detector. The diffuser can be removed to record Raman and fluorescence spectra from a small spot from 2 m standoff distance. OrganiCam's small size and light weight makes it ideal for surveying organics on planetary surfaces. We have designed and built a brassboard version of the OrganiCam instrument and performed initial tests of the system.
ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
An integrated Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument is a valuable geoanalytical tool for future planetary missions to Mars, Venus, and elsewhere. The ChemCam instrument operating on the Mars Curiosity rover includes a remote LIBS instrument. An integrated Raman-LIBS spectrometer (RLS) based on the ChemCam architecture could be used as a reconnaissance tool for other contact instruments as well as a primary science instrument capable of quantitative mineralogical and geochemical analyses. Replacing one of the ChemCam spectrometers with a miniature transmission spectrometer enables a Raman spectroscopy mineralogical analysis to be performed, complementing the LIBS chemical analysis while retaining an overall architecture resembling ChemCam. A prototype transmission spectrometer was used to record Raman spectra under both Martian and Venus conditions. Two different high-pressure and high-temperature cells were used to collect the Raman and LIBS spectra to simulate surface conditions on Venus. The resulting LIBS spectra were used to generate a limited partial least squares Venus calibration model for the major elements. These experiments demonstrate the utility and feasibility of a combined RLS instrument.
