Novel fluorescence analysis for real-time Moon mineralogy

Understanding the mineralogy of the Moon is key to viable mining and mineral processing necessary for the utilization of resources on the lunar surface. As on Earth, the minerals present in a resource can have drastically different physical and chemical properties, and require varying processing protocols to extract useful materials. The mineralogical and chemical complexity of lunar material requires more detailed analysis than simple observation of the elemental composition for detailed scientific understanding, or successful resource extraction. However, traditional non-contact sensing suffers from either low spatial resolution, or the inability to collect data fast enough to enable real-time decision making. Real-time data facilitates selective mining of target minerals of interest, and the optimization of mineral feeds consistent, high yields of extracted resources. Fluorescence analysis can obtain detailed mineralogical information at a high spatial resolution, while still being able to analyze bulk areas at speeds rapid enough such that precise mining or mineral processing control operations can occur. Useful fluorescence from minerals does occur, especially in the near-infrared (NIR), with these ‘novel fluorescence’ peaks standing out in an otherwise low-background emission waveband range, and are additionally enhanced at cold temperatures. This is demonstrated through the detection of NIR fluorescence discovered from specific minerals important for metal, oxygen, and water extraction on the lunar surface. The practical implementation of sensing devices utilizing this novel fluorescence is discussed, showing that simple and reliable systems can be designed which locate high-value lunar minerals in real-time with minimal data processing or deconvolution required.