applied sciences  
The Microchip Laser and Its Drive Control System for Planetary Mass Spectrometry Measurements  
[PERSON] 1,2, [PERSON] 2, [PERSON] 2, [PERSON] 2, [PERSON] 1,2 and [PERSON] 1,2,*()  
Footnote  
wide mass range, high sensitivity, fast response time, and simple structure [6]. These benefits are particularly advantageous for exploration missions involving most planets and satellites, including asteroids, comets, and moons [7]. According to results published in the literature, this new type of mass spectrometer achieves a mass resolution exceeding 500, with detection limits reaching the parts per billion (ppb) level, and it requires minimal resources [8], making it more suitable for the development needs of deep space exploration. In comparison to Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems already deployed in space, Laser Ablation TOF Mass Spectrometry offers higher sensitivity and resolution, capable of detecting trace elements in samples and providing precise quantification and in-depth analysis capabilities [9]. The technology was previously detailed by [PERSON] et al., who devised a prototype LA-TOF-MS and conducted laboratory assessments. Their system weighed a mere 500 g, occupied a volume of 650 cm\({}^{3}\), and operated at an average power of 3 W [10,11]. It employed custom microchip lasers from Poly-Scientific as the excitation source, with parameters delineated in Table 1. Experimental findings indicated that under these parameters, the microchip laser adeptly induced sample plasma, and in conjunction with TOF-MS, achieved adequate mass resolution to distinctly discriminate neighboring isotopes. LA-TOF-MS technique was also designed for application in the \"Forbes-Soil\" Mars rover, wherein the LA-TOF-MS onboard is anticipated to attain elemental and isotopic analysis accuracy levels of at least 10% and 1%, respectively, alongside the capability to precisely localize samples and conduct layer-by-layer analyses to a depth of 10 \(\upmu\)m [12]. However, unfortunately, due to mission failure, it was unable to demonstrate its capabilities in planetary mass spectrometry. Despite the high-power output of the accompanying microchip laser in their system, it features a low repetition rate and large pulse duration, necessitating the utilization of a laser radiation attenuator and neutral optical filter to diminish laser energy during operational phases. Furthermore, there are currently some advanced technologies still under development. For example, [PERSON] et al. at the University of Bern are soon to introduce the CLPS-LIMS system, which aims to achieve better spectral analysis capabilities using a 532 nm laser wavelength [13]. In LA-TOF-MS, the performance of the microchip laser as the excitation device is crucial, directly impacting the accuracy and efficiency of mass spectrometry measurements. This paper aims to meet the increased demands of planetary mass spectrometry on microchip lasers by developing a superior-performance microchip laser. Compared to existing literature, this microchip laser has a smaller weight and volume: the prototype's mass is only 106 g (including the laser and all electronic components), with a low overall power consumption of less than 3 W. Additionally, the laser produced by this microchip laser exhibits better beam quality, with output energy and spot size better suited for directly exciting samples to generate plasma [14]. The laser's pulse duration is as low as 410 ps, with a single-pulse energy of 16.8 uJ, and it is equipped with an optical focusing system