Abstract
The primary objective of the present study is to investigate the science return of future Venus atmosphere probe mission concepts using the Quadrupole Ion Trap (QIT) Mass Spectrometer (MS) Instrument (QIT-MS-I). We demonstrate the use of Monte-Carlo simulations in determining the optimal ion trapping conditions and focus the analysis on retrieving isotope ratios of noble gases in the model sample of the Venus atmosphere. Sampling takes place at a constant velocity of ~10 km/s between 112–110 km altitude and involves the use of getter pumps to remove all chemically-active species, retaining inert noble gases. The enriched sample is leaked into passively pumped vacuum chamber where it is analyzed by the QIT-MS sensor (QIT-MS-S) for 40 minutes. The simulated mass spectrum, as recorded by the QIT-MS-S, is deconvoluted using random walk algorithm to reveal relative abundances of noble gas isotopes. The required precision and accuracy of the deconvolution method is benchmarked against the a priori known model composition of the atmospheric sample.
Highlights
The miniaturization of mass spectrometers in support of space exploration programs is focused either on monitoring air quality on crewed space missions or sampling the composition of planetary atmospheres [1]
We have demonstrated use of a computational platform to quantify the response of the Quadrupole Ion Trap (QIT)-Mass Spectrometer (MS)
Each phase in the simulated experiment is described in detail, providing the reader with an insight into achievable outcomes in support of science objectives when the mission concept is in early stages of planning
Summary
The miniaturization of mass spectrometers in support of space exploration programs is focused either on monitoring air quality on crewed space missions or sampling the composition of planetary atmospheres [1]. Venus atmosphere and brief intake of atmospheric sample, followed by the sample preparation and subsequent analysis of isotopic ratios of noble gases In this manner, we consider various aspects of measurements, the QIT-MS sensor response function. The QIT-MS instrument has the necessary analytical power: 50 full-range (10–150 u) mass spectra per second at high sensitivity (7.5 × 1011 cps/Pa), supplemented with on-demand high resolution (4000 at 32 u and at 136 u) mode of operation [17] These QIT-MS capabilities offer real-time altitude-resolved measurements of atmospheric chemical composition during probe descent below 60 km, including trace species detection and the ability to distinguish between most mass isobars.
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