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Detection of Biosignatures Using Raman Spectroscopy

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Biosignatures for Astrobiology

Part of the book series: Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics ((ASTROBIO))

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy is particularly suited for the study of biosignatures: it is able to detect both organic and mineral phases, is very sensitive to carbonaceous matter and biogenic pigments, and can be used in the field and for space exploration. Thus, in a few decades it has become a key method in (micro-)palaeontology, geomicrobiology and astrobiology. In this chapter, we present an overview of the different types of biosignatures that can be detected and/or characterized using Raman spectroscopy: organic molecules, microfossils, biominerals or even living cells. A particular focus is made on the role of the excitation laser wavelength on the type of biosignatures that can be studied.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The Planck-Einstein equation is given by E = h.c/λ with E the energy, h the Plank constant, c the speed of light in vacuum, and λ the wavelength.

  2. 2.

    The Airy disk corresponds to the best focused spot of light through an optical system. Its diameter is given by D = 1,22.λ/NA, with NA the numerical aperture of the objective.

  3. 3.

    The depth of field of an objective is given by Δz = n.λ/(2.NA2), with n the refractive index of the material.

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Acknowledgements

I thank the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales for funding. I thank Frances Westall and Keyron Hickman-Lewis for their useful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire-CBM, CNRS, Orléans, France

    Frédéric Foucher

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  1. Frédéric Foucher
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Correspondence to Frédéric Foucher .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Barbara Cavalazzi

  2. Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, Orléans, France

    Frances Westall

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Foucher, F. (2019). Detection of Biosignatures Using Raman Spectroscopy. In: Cavalazzi, B., Westall, F. (eds) Biosignatures for Astrobiology. Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96175-0_13

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