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PI : Arnold Gucsik

Title : Clarification of shock history of asteroid Itokawa using cathodoluminescence and micro-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Previous examinations of the Hayabusa samples point to the importance of impact-shock and radiation-induced effects recorded by the retrieved particles, which, however, have not been quantitatively evaluated by conventional petrographic methods. We will analyze cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra obtained from the feldspar particles with micrometer size to detect the defect centers caused by shock metamorphism, and to quantitatively estimate the defect density. Based on our previous results on experimentally shocked feldspar, the shock pressures on the Hayabusa samples are expected to be determined in the wide range of 4.5 to 40 GPa. We will use the relationship between CL intensity and shock-induced defect, nevertheless comparison with CL of feldspar with various compositions and low temperature measurements will be required. The shock estimation for plagioclase grains recovered by Hayabusa using combined CL and micro-Raman analyses will give new insight into asteroid collision history, including ejection from the parent body, aggregation to the present form and formation of impact craters on the surface. In this case, micro-Raman spectroscopy will provide complementary information for more quantitative conclusions.

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