Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (hLIBS): A Valuable Tool for Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Recognition of Meteorites in the Field

Abstract

The role and performance of handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (hLIBS) devices is discussed in the context of meteorite research exploration while targeting specific questions of geologic interest in the field. The fast data acquisition and minimal sample preparation features of these devices make them very attractive as candidate tools for future astronauts in geochemical mapping, resource prospecting, sample selection, and hazard identification. Although hLIBS instruments have recently become commercially available, they have not yet been widely applied to meteoritical field campaign. This article reviews how the very promising advanced analytical tool hLIBS may be helpful to classify and discriminate meteorites in the field.