Publication
Names
  • J. Charlier
  • A. Aleon-toppani
  • R. Brunetto
  • J. Aleon
  • F. Borondics
Title
Mid-infrared detection and characterization of refractory inclusions in CM and CO chondrites: a non-destructive approach for returned space samples
Abstract
Refractory inclusions in chondrites are widely used as tracers of primitive solar system formation. In the context of sample-return missions, a non-destructive and non-invasive analytical tool that can rapidly detect and characterize refractory inclusions in space samples during their early phase of study is highly needed. Here, we performed mid-infrared fine-scale hyperspectral imaging over large fields of view to detect refractory inclusions in CM and CO chondrites. A database of mid-infrared spectra of typical refractory inclusions minerals was built (1) to support future remote sensing observations in astronomical environments, and (2) to develop a detection method based on machine learning algorithms and spectral distance between sample and reference minerals. With this method, up to 90% of the refractory inclusion content is detected in a meteorite section. Further comparison between scanning electron microscopy and spot analysis acquired in reflectance in the full mid-infrared range shows that refractory inclusions can be classified following their mineralogy based on infrared properties. Finally, we show that the relative OH content of several refractory inclusions in CM chondrites determined from infrared spectroscopy can be used to decipher the extent and style of subsequent modifications by secondary processes such as aqueous alteration on their asteroidal parent body.
Keywords
spectroscopy, imaging spectroscopy, FTIR spectrometer, Ryugu, mid-IR
Content
planetary sciences, spectral data, spectral data use
Year
2024
Journal
Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Volume
0
Pages
1
Pages number
16
Document type
article
Publication state
submitted