Best of the Week: Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry, Exoplanet Discovery, LIBS Plasma Behavior

This week, Spectroscopy published several articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas, including biomedical science, forensics, and space exploration. These pieces cover several important areas in analytical spectroscopy. Several key techniques highlighted in these articles include mass spectrometry (MS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Happy reading!

Tom Metz Discusses The State of Forensic Science and His Research

At the 2025 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference, key discussions highlighted advancements in forensic science technology. During the AAFS Conference, Metz delivered a talk on reference-free identification of fentanyl analogs using multi-dimensional MS and computational prediction (1). With over 200 publications, Metz has contributed extensively to metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics research, aiding disease and environmental studies (1). In this interview, he reflects on his observations at the AAFS Conference, his research in molecular science, challenges in the field, and how emerging technologies are shaping investigations. His work continues to enhance molecular identification and biomarker discovery in forensic and biomedical sciences.

Exoplanet Discovery Using Spectroscopy

In a recent study, a team of researchers explored recent advancements in exoplanet observation that are advancing planetary discovery. This news article covers important technologies like high-resolution spectroscopy, adaptive optics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analysis enhancing detection and atmospheric characterization (2). Ground-based observatories such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and space-based missions like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) are improving our understanding of planetary systems (2). Spectroscopy plays a crucial role in identifying atmospheric gases, while adaptive optics and coronagraphs enable direct imaging despite stellar brightness (2). Future missions, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Roman Space Telescope and European Space Agency (ESA)’s PLATO, promise even greater insights into planetary formation and habitability, bringing us closer to answering the question of whether life exists beyond Earth (2).

Study Demonstrates LIBS Plasma Behavior for Space Exploration

In a recent study published in Icarus, researchers investigated how atmospheric conditions, laser energy, and sample lithology affect LIBS for planetary exploration. LIBS, a key technique in space research since its use on NASA’s Curiosity rover in 2012, allows for elemental analysis without sample preparation (3). The team examined LIBS performance under Earth-like, Martian, and airless conditions using high-speed plasma imaging (3). The results showed that atmospheric conditions significantly impacted plasma size and emission intensity, with Martian and airless environments yielding weaker signals (3). Findings suggest future LIBS instruments can be optimized for planetary missions, ensuring enhanced geochemical analysis of extraterrestrial surfaces.

Using Spectroscopy to Reveal the Secrets of Space

Spectroscopy is a fundamental tool in astrophysics, allowing scientists to analyze celestial bodies through light interactions. In a recent study, Diriba Gonfa Tolasa of Assosa University highlighted how atomic and molecular physics enhance our understanding of stars, galaxies, and interstellar matter (4). Spectroscopy enables astronomers to measure redshift and blueshift, track cosmic expansion, and uncover stellar life cycles. Advances in high-resolution and infrared spectroscopy, especially through instruments like JWST, are improving exoplanet and cosmology research (4). The study underscores spectroscopy’s role in detecting organic molecules in space, hinting at life’s cosmic prevalence.

A Life of Spectroscopic Exploration: An Interview with Professor Yukihiro Ozaki, Recipient of the 2025 Ellis R. Lippincott Award

Professor Yukihiro Ozaki, who was this year’s recipient of the Ellis R. Lippincott Award, has significantly advanced vibrational spectroscopy, including Raman, SERS, near-infrared (NIR), far-infrared (FIR), and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy (5). His research spans quantum chemical calculations, chemometrics, and 2D-COS spectroscopy, contributing to materials science, food science, and biomedical applications (5). With over 1,120 publications and 19 books, Ozaki has contributed to the field for over four decades (5). In this interview, he reflects on his career, key research challenges, and the future of vibrational spectroscopy, while offering advice to aspiring scientists eager to contribute to this evolving discipline.

References

1. Wetzel, W. Tom Metz Discusses The State of Forensic Science and His Research. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/tom-metz-discusses-the-state-of-forensic-science-and-his-research (accessed 2025-03-27)
2. Workman, Jr., J. Exoplanet Discovery Using Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/exoplanet-discovery-using-spectroscopy (accessed 2025-03-27).
3. Wetzel, W. Study Demonstrates LIBS Plasma Behavior for Space Exploration. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/study-demonstrates-libs-plasma-behavior-for-space-exploration (accessed 2025-03-27).
4. Workman, Jr., J. Using Spectroscopy to Reveal the Secrets of Space. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-spectroscopy-to-reveal-the-secrets-of-space (accessed 2025-03-27).
5. Workman, Jr., J. A Life of Spectroscopic Exploration: An Interview with Professor Yukihiro Ozaki, Recipient of the 2025 Ellis R. Lippincott Award. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-life-of-spectroscopic-exploration-an-interview-with-professor-yukihiro-ozaki-recipient-of-the-2025-ellis-r-lippincott-award (accessed 2025-03-24).