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Published August 2012 | Published
Journal Article Open

An RF-powered micro-reactor for the detection of astrobiological target molecules on planetary bodies

Abstract

We describe a sample-processing micro-reactor that utilizes 60 GHz RF radiation with approximately 730 mW of output power. The instrument design and performance characterization are described and then illustrated with modeling and experimental studies. The micro-reactor's efficiency on affecting hydrolysis of chemical bonds similar to those within large complex molecules was demonstrated: a disaccharide—sucrose—was hydrolyzed completely under micro-reactor conditions. The products of the micro-reactor-facilitated hydrolysis were analyzed using mass spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analytical techniques.

Additional Information

© 2012 American Institute of Physics. Received 15 April 2012; accepted 4 August 2012; published online 30 August 2012. The research described in this paper was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The research was supported through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Planetary Instrument Definition and Development Program; Dr. V. Scott received support through the NASA Postdoctoral Program.

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Created:
August 19, 2023
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October 20, 2023