M1.2.3 - Towards Miniaturized XRF Systems: A MEMS X-ray Source for Space Exploration
- Event
- EUROSENSORS XXXVII
2025-09-07 - 2025-09-10
Wroclaw - Band
- Lectures
- Chapter
- M1.2 - Sensors for Space Exploration
- Author(s)
- P. Urbanski, P. Szyszka, T. Grzebyk - Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław (Poland)
- Pages
- 50 - 51
- DOI
- 10.5162/EUROSENSORS2025/M1.2.3
- ISBN
- 978-3-910600-07-2
- Price
- free
Abstract
The analysis of planetary surfaces composition using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is essential for under-standing geological processes and resource potential. Traditional XRF systems are based on bulky X-ray tubes or radioisotopes, limiting their use in space missions. This work presents a MEMS-basedminiature X-ray source integrating a field emission electron source and a transmission target within aminiature silicon-glass structure. The source operates at low power (<0.1 W), while efficiently generatingX-rays. By combining it with a small X-ray detector one obtains lightweight, energy-efficient planetaryexploration instrument.