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Inorganic chemical investigation by X-ray fluorescence analysis - The Viking Mars LanderThe inorganic chemical investigation experiment added in August 1972 to the Viking Lander scientific package uses an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in which four sealed, gas-filled proportional counters detect X-rays emitted from samples of the Martian surface materials irradiated by X-rays from radioisotope sources (Fe-55 and Cd-109). The instrument is inside the Lander body, and samples are to be delivered to it by the Viking Lander Surface Sampler. Instrument design is described along with details of the data processing and analysis procedures. The results of the investigation will characterize the surface materials of Mars as to elemental composition with accuracies ranging from a few tens of parts per million (at the trace-element level) to a few per cent (for major elements) depending on the element in question.
Document ID
19740038988
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Toulmin, P., III
Rose, H. J., Jr.
(U.S. Geological Survey Washington, D.C., United States)
Baird, A. K.
(Pomona College Claremont, Calif., United States)
Clark, B. C.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, Colo., United States)
Keil, K.
(New Mexico University Albuquerque, N. Mex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1973
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 20
Subject Category
Chemistry
Accession Number
74A21738
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11855
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-11858
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER L-9717
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9000
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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