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A Lunar X-Ray Diffraction Experiment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2019

Robert C. Speed ,
Douglas B. Nash  and
Neil L. Nickle
Robert C. Speed
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California
Douglas B. Nash
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California
Neil L. Nickle
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California
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Abstract

An X-ray diffraction system is under development for remote analysis of lunar rocks from an unmanned, soft-landed spacecraft. The objective of this experiment is the identification of rock-forming phases and estimation of their abundances, compositions, and other data which are indicative of the nature of genetic processes on the moon. A 2:1 scanning parafocusing geometry was successfully miniaturized for this purpose by W. Pavrish, and a complete diffraction system, based on the design is in preparation. The diffract ometer including high-voltage power supply weighs 18 lb, occupies 0.9 ft3, and requires 56 W of continuous power. A sample acquisition and preparation system will be an integral part of the diffractometer. Diffraction analyses of a rhyolite, basalt, and chondritic meteorite are given as examples of the capabilities and limitations of rock analysis by this method.

Type
Research Article
Information
Advances in X-Ray Analysis , Volume 8: Thirteenth Annual Conference on Applications of X-ray Analysis, August 12-14, 1964 , 1964 , pp. 400 - 419
Copyright
Copyright © International Centre for Diffraction Data 1964

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