Finding biologically active substances on Mars

The detection of biologically active substances on Mars could be given a boost through the use of mass spectrometry.

A new patent application aims to protect one team's technology which they claim offers a lightweight alternative to heavy air pumps for interplanetary space missions.

Their research stems from the shape of ionic mass spectrometers, which have historically needed pumps to transmit vaporised samples from an inlet into the ion trap itself.

By using Total Ion Control, the patent-pending alternative, finding biologically active substances such as amino acids and proteins could be easier using a new generation of mass spectrometers.

The invention uses fields to control the movement of the vaporised ions, due to the fact that they are charged - rather than manipulating them by physical force using jets of air.

Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory devised the system, part of the regular work carried out at the facility, which has earned 41 accolades for research and development over the past 25 years in the R&D 100 Awards programme.