Due to the advancement in technology, the scientists can now extract information from the single grain of dust which is as thick as human hair. By using an innovative approach called the Atom Probe Tomography (APT) the researchers of University of Chicago have found way to conserve the limited Moon rocks. This is one of the greatest kinds of research conducted till date!
No one ever thought that such small materials can be a great source of information. A great number of such grains can be present on the gloves of the astronauts and other objects. The Atom Probe Tomography is a sensitive technique that can represent a 3D image of atoms to the researchers.
Information from Moon Grain Dust
While using this technique, the nanocarpentry expression can be used. Following this is an atom probe part. In this, the researchers are able to knock off the atoms one by one and see their movement and striking with the detector. The different atoms fly off at different intervals which is helpful in finding the composition and the texture of the samples. For instance, iron takes longer to reach the detector plate as compared to hydrogen due to its heavy size.
The researchers claim it to be a greatest discovery as for the first time the lunar soil can be studies with such tiny details regarding atoms. The findings have a great potential for future studies and NASA has already provided three years funding for the study.
The surface of moon has varied composition due to excessive weathering and harsh conditions over there. It also contains a large reserve of water in the subsoil layer. The APT technology can be used to study all such soil processes in the Moon and on its surface with great efficiency.
