地外样品的核分析技术研究进展

Research Progress of Extraterrestrial Sample Using Nuclear Analysis Techniques

地外样品是目前能获取到的来自其他天体的最直接地质证据。研究地外样品的目的在于揭示太阳系及其所含天体的宏观与微观演化过程,并为行星与星际环境和星际移民与外星生命的可能性提供新的见解。地外样品成分的原位或地面实验室精细分析研究对于人类认识天体演化以及我国后续月球探测与资源就地开发利用具有重要的意义。鉴于地外样品的特殊和珍贵,通常优先选用非破坏分析方法对其开展研究。而核分析技术是在实验核物理和核化学基础上发展起来的一门新型学科,是利用粒子与物质的相互作用、辐射效应、核谱学和核效应等基本原理和实验的方法,比如中子活化分析、离子束分析以及X射线荧光光谱分析等,利用其非破坏性、灵敏度高、准确度好和多元素同时分析等优点,非常适合开展地外珍贵样品的分析研究。未来十年是我国深空探测的关键时期,其主要目标是加深对宇宙的认知、拓展人类的活动空间、探寻地外生命信息,并进一步揭示宇宙奥秘与生命起源、了解保护地球以及激发科学探索精神。核分析技术作为对样品无损分析的科学手段,其生命力在于与物理、化学、材料、医学、地质、环境等学科领域的高度融合。随着我国深空探测的发展需求,核分析技术将会在我国月球、小行星、火星等深空探测以及采集的珍贵样品分析中发挥重要的作用。

Extraterrestrial samples are the direct geological evidence available from other objects.The purpose of studying extraterrestrial samples is to reveal the macroscopic and microscopic evolution of the solar system and the relative celestial bodies,and to provide new insights into the planetary and interstellar environment and the possibility of interstellar migration and extraterrestrial life.The accurate composition analysis of extraterrestrial sample is of great significance for understanding of celestial evolution,as well as for China′s subsequent lunar exploration and in situ resource development and utilization.Due to the specialization and preciousness of extraterrestrial samples,non-destructive analysis techniques are generally as preferred method of choice.Nuclear analysis technologies(NATs) are developed on the experimental nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry,which is very suitable for the analysis of extraterrestrial samples by using the principles of particle and matter interaction,radiation effect,nuclear spectroscopy and nuclear effect,such as neutron activation analysis,ion beam analysis and X-ray fluorescence analysis.The next decade is a critical period for China′s deep space exploration,and its main goals are to deepen the understanding of the universe,expand the space of human activities,explore the information of extraterrestrial life,and further reveal the mysteries of the universe and the origin of life,understand and protect the earth and stimulate the spirit of scientific exploration.As a scientific method for non-destructive analysis of samples,the vitality of NATs lies on high integration with physics,chemistry,materials,medicine,geology,environment and other fields.With the development needs of China′s deep space exploration,NATs will play more important role in the analysis of extraterrestrial samples from the moon,asteroids and Mars,etc.