The x-ray energy spectrum provides rapid identification of mineral samples.
Multi-Analytical Study Reveals Complex History Behind Ancient Snake Motif in Argentine Rock Art
May 22nd 2025A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that a multi-headed snake motif at Argentina's La Candelaria rock shelter was created through multiple painting events over time.
Using Spectroscopy to Understand Hawaii’s Hidden Geology
May 8th 2025Researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno, have conducted the most comprehensive subsurface analysis of Hawaiian shield basalts to date, using advanced spectroscopic and geochemical techniques to reveal short-lived hydrothermal alteration processes and establish a new foundation for future volcanic and geothermal studies.
The Role of LIBS in ChemCam and SuperCam: An Interview with Kelsey Williams, Part III
May 2nd 2025In this extended Q&A interview, we sit down with Kelsey Williams, a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), who is working on planetary instrumentation using spectroscopic techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (LAMIS). In Part III, Williams goes into detail about ChemCam and SuperCam and how LIBS is used in both these instruments.