Cost-Effective UV Fluorescence Spectrometer for Life Detection

Abstract

This paper details the design, fabrication, and application of a custom ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence spectrometer that was implemented on a prototype Mars rover for the University Rover Challenge 2023 competition. The fluorometer consists of a series of UV LEDs from 265 nm to 365 nm specifically chosen to induce fluorescence in biological samples. This fluorescence is then measured using a charge-coupled device and interpreted by a local, network connected microcontroller. Radio links operating in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz bands transmit the spectral data to a basestation. A post-processor normalizes the data and isolates maximum and relative wavelength peaks. A command link allows the rover operator at the basestation to individually activate the LEDs to excite the sample. Using the resulting emitted spectra, the operators can determine the presence of life in a sample. This design gave a higher degree of sensitivity and was more cost-effective than other methods that were considered.