Micro devices find gold on meteorites

US researchers created a gamma-ray spectrometer device that can search for rare metal deposits such as gold and platinum on meteorites.

The new spectrophotometer helps detect gold mines on meteorites

Spectrophotometer is not new technology. This type of glass has been used in many space projects to collect planetary geological data.

However, the new glass design developed by scientists at Fisk University and Vanderbilt, Tennessee, USA is lower cost and smaller in size than previous types of glass. Gamma spectroscopy spectra are very convenient for private mining companies in space.

Gamma rays formed when cosmic rays hit the meteorite, producing scattered wavelengths. Researchers can decode wavelengths to map many of the different hidden materials in meteorites - from the elements that make up rocks like iron and silicon to radioactive elements like uranium. Based on that, the mining company in space can search for precious metals like gold and platinum.

Gamma ray spectroscopy can detect precious metal deposits such as gold and platinum on meteorites.(Photo: The Wondrous).

The superiority of the new spectral glass design lies in the sensor made from a material called strontium iodide phase europi (SrI ₂ ). This is a more cost-effective option than high-purity germanium detection devices (HPGe) according to Arnold Burger, Fisk University physics professor.

"HPGe requires deep cooling, so it is very bulky. It is also equipped with shin technology that should not consume much energy from batteries," Epoch Times today quoted Burger.

Although not as accurate as HPGe, the SrI2 spectroscope has the main advantage of being easy to carry on small spacecraft and landing equipment.

Detectors using germanium were commissioned at the Kaguya spacecraft to orbit the Moon Space Agency's Japanese orbit and the Mars Odyssey explored Mars by the US Space Agency (NASA), but they require high costs for private companies as well as too massive for use in meteorite mining projects.

The current SrI2 device is in the form of CubeSat (cuboid-sized satellite), weighs only 0.5 kg but can perform the work of a system more than 90 kg and gives high resolution.

"Our system is able to determine the elemental source near the meteorite surface accurately at low cost thanks to lighter sensors and requires less energy to operate," said Keivan Stassun, professor. Astronomy at Vanderbilt University, shared.