Current Research

Since 2009, I have been actively involved in the field of space research and planetary exploration, including the design, development and qualification of space instrumentation. My expertise covers various scientific and technical disciplines, including e.g., laser ablation (LA) and laser ablation ionisation mass spectrometry (LIMS), the design and development of ion optical systems in mass spectrometers, pulsed laser systems (femtosecond and nanosecond laser systems), gas- and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS, LC-MS), amino acid and lipid extraction techniques, the programming of new software packages for complex data handling and analysis. Currently, within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, I focus on the development of in situ measurement methodologies for the detection of biosignatures, such as amino acids, using a miniature laser ablation ionisation reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer (instrument name LMS) that was originally designed for elemental composition investigations of solids arising in planetary surfaces. Image credit: Dres Hubacher.