ODIN: A prototype luminescence reader for in situ dating of Martian regolith

We describe the design and construction of a prototype robotic, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) instrument for in-situ dating of Martian regolith. ¹²We discuss the methodological constraints on the design of an in-situ instrument and the handling of the sample material. The goal is to use our Optical Dating Instrument (ODIN) to provide a chronological context for Martian climatic processes that have occurred during the last 1 million years. ODIN is equipped for basic regolith preparation procedures and luminescence measurements. A sample preparation system allows separation of non-magnetic particles smaller than 250 μm and dispensing of 2mg aliquots. Blue and infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provide light for stimulation of the samples; the emitted luminescence is detected with a photomultiplier. A PID-heater allows control of the measurement temperature. A rotating disk with 20 sample positions serves as a sample transport system. ODIN fits into a shoe-box and the peak power of the system in operation is 5-6 W. The ODIN system has the ability to carry out OSL measurements with high reproducibility. When combined with a robotic arm (not part of the system), ODIN is intended to date a wide variety of minerals expected in the Martian regolith with minimal sample preparation.