High-Frequency Dielectric Spectroscopy for Martian Soil Samples / 114-118
Jarek Wosik, John H. Miller, Jr., David Warmflash, Maged Kamel, Lian Xue, Sarah Hirsh, Nathan Withers
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Abstract--Researchers at the University of Houston and NASA-JSC seek to develop high frequency methods, such as broadband and narrowband (resonant) dielectric spectroscopy techniques, for the investigation of Martian soil simulants and live cell suspensions. Such methods hold great potential for use in high frequency characterization of the magnetite crystals found in the Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001. Magnetite compounds found in the meteorite consist of a common inorganic rock and a biogenic product, which can be formed by a variety of organisms. It is clear that characterization and comparison of earth and Martian magnetofossils can provide significant information related to the evolution and history of Mars. In this initial study, we have developed high frequency dielectric spectroscopy probes and conducted test measurements of dielectric properties of live cell suspensions, yeast, and isopropyl alcohol. Currently, we are investigating JSC Mars-1 samples, a volcanic ash from Hawaii developed for the use as a Mars regolith simulant. Because these samples contain microorganisms and biomolecules, they are biologically active.