<p><strong>Since the beginning of this year, a project to develop a light-based electron microscope, LightEM, has been underway at CEITEC Brno University of Technology (BUT). The principal investigator is Andrea Konečná from CEITEC BUT and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT, who has secured support for the project through the prestigious ERC CZ program. Over the next five years, her research team aims to develop and test a light-based electron microscope. This technology would allow scientists to adaptively modulate the electron beam during experiments or observe processes over time – capabilities that are not possible with conventional electron microscopes.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_4_2062655721.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/Václav Koníček: Microscope of the Future: Combining Light and Electrons Wins Prestigious Grant: Andrea Konečná's group" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_4_2062655721.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><p>Over the coming five years, Andrea's team will work on improving existing electron microscopes. Her project,<strong> Light-Based Electron Microscope </strong>(LightEM), focuses on the interaction between electrons and light and could help overcome some of the limitations of classical electron microscopy. <i>“We are trying to improve the electron beam. What we want to do is, figuratively speaking, shoot an intense laser beam into the microscope and influence electrons using light. Simply put, we aim to create adjustable ‘glasses’ for the electron microscope using light and change how optics is traditionally done in electron microscopy,”</i> explained Andrea.</p><p>According to her, this approach should bring <strong>higher resolution, new imaging techniques, and the ability to study dynamic processes</strong>. <i>“With light, the resolution should be even better. Moreover, we could image sensitive samples, which is usually problematic. We could also observe processes over time </i>–&nbsp;<i>stimulate a sample with light, for example by heating it, and then dynamically monitor what is happening,”</i> she added.</p><h3><strong>The microscope will offer better resolution and new imaging techniques</strong></h3><p>Andrea points out that standard electron microscopes use magnetic lenses to image and focus electrons onto a sample, but these lenses have imperfections that limit resolution. The best electron microscopes in the world therefore use many lenses – similar to professional camera lenses – to compensate for these defects and achieve atomic resolution. A light-based electron microscope could change this.</p><p><i>“We would like to demonstrate that such complex lens systems </i>–&nbsp;<i>whose production, alignment, and operation are very expensive and demanding </i>–&nbsp;<i>could be replaced by a specially modulated laser beam. Compared to conventional lenses, a laser beam can be used not only for magnification, reduction, or aberration correction, but also offers great flexibility and the possibility to create new ‘exotic’ types of electron beams. Electrons don’t have to be focused only into a point; we can create a beam shaped like a ‘donut.’ In addition, the beams could be modulated quickly and adaptively,</i>” said Andrea.</p><p>According to her, such a modified microscope could be used in many fields. <i>“Thanks to the possibility of light-based modulation of the electron beam during experiments, we could more efficiently image sensitive samples, which is crucial for biology. Or we could detect defects in materials and semiconductor components more quickly,”</i> she added.</p><p>This is highly unique research with no equivalent in scope, either in the Czech Republic or abroad. According to Andrea, only a few studies on the topic have been published so far. <i>“At the time I was writing the grant, only a few theoretical and experimental papers had demonstrated the basic concept </i>–&nbsp;<i>that electrons can be focused or otherwise modulated using a laser beam. But they did not go as far as we would like, namely to create a prototype microscope where part of the standard electron optics is replaced by a laser beam</i>,” she said.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_3_1ec4c49bf5.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/Václav Koníček: Microscope of the Future: Combining Light and Electrons Wins Prestigious Grant: Andrea Konečná's research" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_3_1ec4c49bf5.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><h3><strong>Unique research supported by the Ministry of Education</strong></h3><p>The project’s strong potential is confirmed by the fact that Andrea Konečná received an <strong>ERC CZ grant from the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports</strong>. The program aims to support researchers who applied for a<strong> European ERC grant</strong>, succeeded in evaluation, but were not funded due to limited resources.</p><p><i>“There is enormous competition within the European ERC program. I submitted this project twice and both times advanced to the second round, where I presented it and discussed it with the panel. Each time I received an A rating, but unfortunately without funding. The Ministry looks at these European evaluations and ultimately supported my project. To be honest, it is mainly about prestige, because otherwise the conditions are the same. The project still runs for five years, and the Ministry supported it in full, so we receive the same funding we would have received from the European Union,”</i> Andrea noted.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_2_3114b2e414.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/Václav Koníček: Microscope of the Future: Combining Light and Electrons Wins Prestigious Grant: Andrea Konečná's research" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_2_3114b2e414.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><h3><strong>Two prestigious grants – and motherhood alongside</strong></h3><p>A few years ago, Andrea Konečná also received the <strong>prestigious JUNIOR STAR grant</strong> from the <strong>Czech Science Foundation</strong>, which supports outstanding early-career researchers. She is currently the principal investigator of two major projects, while also balancing motherhood since last year.</p><p><i>“Maybe it’s still too early to evaluate, because my daughter is still small and I was on maternity leave for some time. But honestly, it is demanding. At the same time, the flexibility of our work makes it easier than in other professions. Moreover, the JUNIOR STAR project is already in its fourth year, and several excellent PhD and master’s students have joined during that time, so many smaller projects were able to continue even during my maternity leave. I’m also happy that several of these colleagues will now join the ERC CZ project,”</i> she concluded.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_1_8369f441d5.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/Václav Koníček: Microscope of the Future: Combining Light and Electrons Wins Prestigious Grant: Andrea Konečná" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_VUT_Vaclav_Konicek_Mikroskop_budoucnosti_Spojeni_svetla_a_elektronu_ziskalo_prestizni_grant_1_8369f441d5.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"></p><h3><strong>A major success for CEITEC Brno University of Technology</strong></h3><p><i>“I greatly appreciate the success of Andrea Konečná, who managed to succeed in a highly competitive environment. It is the result of long-term high-quality scientific work and significant personal dedication. At the same time, I am pleased that at BUT, we are systematically creating conditions to support excellent research. One of the key tools is the <strong>Research Excellence Support Fund</strong>, through which we <strong>motivate and support researchers in preparing applications for prestigious grants</strong> such as <strong>ERC, EXPRO, JUNIOR STAR, or MSCA</strong>. These are precisely the types of projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and strengthen the international standing of our university,”</i> said <strong>Martin Weiter</strong>, Vice-Rector of BUT for Research and Knowledge Transfer.</p>

Microscope of the Future: Combining Light and Electrons Wins Prestigious Grant

<p><strong>This study investigates nutrient exchange between lunar and martian regolith simulants and bioregenerative life support system (BLiSS) effluent. Using ICP-OES, sorption and dissolution processes were quantified, revealing significant release of elements such as S, Ca, Mg, and Na from the simulants.</strong></p><p>Surface and structural analyses confirmed elemental bonding and mineral alterations after reaction. The findings demonstrate that regolith can supply essential nutrients to BLiSS systems, supporting sustainable agriculture in extraterrestrial environments and highlighting the importance of realistic effluent simulations.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267"><strong>Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants Desorb and Weather after Exposure to Bioregenerative Life Support System Effluent</strong></a></h4><p>Harrison R. Coker, Daniella Saetta, Misle M. Tessema, Jackson L. Smith, Charles A. Richardson-Gongora, Jason A. Fischer, Hannah I. Roberts, Luke B. Roberson, and Julie A. Howe*</p><p>ACS Earth Space Chem. 2026, 10, 2, 441–454</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><div><div><h5><strong>Background</strong></h5><p>Inorganic nutrient solutions (e.g., Hoagland’s <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a>) are useful for growing plants in soilless systems but require continuous nutrient inputs that are consumed as plants grow. With future plans for lunar and Mars settlements, dependency on Earth-sourced fertilizers will hinder efficient operations. Therefore, extracting nutrients from regolith to enhance sustainable agricultural operations, or improving the regolith’s fertility such that plants directly derive nutrients from the regolith, are both effective strategies that support diverse cropping operations to produce food and fiber resources through in situ resource utilization (ISRU). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2,3)</a> Broadly, approaches that utilize surface resources from the Moon and Mars to reduce inputs from Earth are deemed ISRU. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4)</a></p></div><div><h5><strong>In Situ Resource Utilization</strong></h5><p>The extraction of raw elements from regolith is a primary goal of ISRU. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4)</a> Various approaches for enhanced dissolution of regolith have been studied, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5)</a> including techniques such as ionic liquids, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(6)</a> eutectic salts, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> electro-deoxidation, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8)</a> and heat treatment. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(9)</a> While promising, these approaches have the downfall of requiring exogenous chemicals, energy, and technology. Alternatively, a basic approach will encompass using resources such as BLiSS effluent to physically weather the regolith. Because of the underlying basaltic mineralogy of lunar and martian regoliths, hydrologic weathering may be a rapid process that deserves further investigation.<named-content></named-content></p></div><div><h5><strong>Bioregenerative Life Support Systems</strong></h5><p>To recycle consumed nutrients from undesirable plant and human wastes, the use of bioregenerative life support systems (BLiSS) that decompose organic matter into inorganic nutrient streams will be used. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10)</a> Organic wastes (e.g., plant material, human wastes, etc.) generated by lunar and martian astronauts will necessitate recycling via a series of BLiSS bioreactors that result in effluent streams of water, inorganic nutrients, and metabolites of anerobic digestion, which include various volatile organic acids. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> A working BLiSS prototype at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), called the organic processing assembly (OPA), utilizes dual-stage anerobic bioreactors and membrane filtration <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12,13)</a> to accomplish decomposition of organic matter, which is subsequently fed to a phototrophic membrane bioreactor <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> for the complete oxidation of N species. The microbiome of OPA varies across reactors as a function of varying inputs and substrate decomposition. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> While OPA is a developing technology in both biological processing and technological command, analogous BLiSS, will be required to create a circular economy of nutrients in space. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> Because BLiSS produces nutrient streams that differ from those of inorganic nutrient solutions, investigating fundamental interactions of BLiSS effluent with regolith simulants will help guide future planning and determine uses of effluent for outposts on the Moon and Mars. In this study, effluent from the OPA at KSC was utilized, as it is a high-fidelity prototype of what may be produced in spaceflight and on lunar and martian outposts.</p></div><div><h5><strong>Lunar and Martian Regolith</strong></h5><p>Lunar regolith is relatively homogeneous in elemental composition, with the major difference being the abundance of Ca. A useful classification refers to lunar samples as being “high-Ca” or “low-Ca” above or below 13.5 wt % CaO. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Increasing abundance of nanophase Fe, along with decreasing grain size, is characteristic of more mature lunar regolith. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> Lunar samples exhibit low electrical conductivity (EC), though the electrical properties of lunar regolith are especially sensitive to thermal and atmospheric changes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19,20)</a> In general, the chemical reactivity of lunar regolith to organic molecules is not well understood, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a> but as aqueous and oxidizing environments are introduced to support plant life, it should be expected that lunar regolith will drastically change. For instance, exposure to water vapor increases the adsorption of N<sub>2</sub> and Ar, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(22)</a> while the crushing of regolith promotes the movement of trapped vaporous gases into solution. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(23)</a> Lunar simulants have additionally demonstrated increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (e.g., H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and OH<sup>–</sup>) in micromolar quantities when crushed and exposed to the atmosphere. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24)</a> Lunar regolith contains up to 70% agglutinates by volume, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25)</a> which are aggregates of mineral/lithic fragments fused together by rapid melting and cooling of glass after meteoroid impacts. Agglutinates are noted to have differing abundances of nanophase Fe<sup>0</sup>, with several hypotheses accounting for their incorporation into the lunar regolith. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(26)</a></p><p>Martian astronauts will have greater accessibility to specific and diverse minerals for ISRU than lunar astronauts. For Mars, there is likely a semiactive hydrologic cycle of hydrated brines <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27−30)</a> that may even support microbial life. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(31)</a> Although glass is a more common feature of lunar regolith, in analog martian sites on Earth, glass-matrices have been identified as the possible profile-controlling minerals. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> Martian regolith is high in Fe metal oxides, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(33)</a> chloride, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(34)</a> and sulfate salts, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(35)</a> including perchlorates (ClO<sub>4</sub><sup>–</sup>) and other oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>), which occur at toxic levels for plants. These salts may limit bioavailability of various metals. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(36)</a> Oxidized nitrogen species, simple organics, oxychlorine phases, and sulfates are widespread, with phyllosilicates and carbonates occurring in select Gale Crater materials, and it appears that geochemical conditions and organic C may have once been favorable for microbial life. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(37,38)</a> Recent evidence from the Phoenix landing site quantified organic C at 83–1484 μg C g<sup>–1</sup> and carbonates from 1.1 to 2.6 wt %. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(39)</a> At Gale Crater, the 2007 Phoenix Mars Scout Mission’s Wet Chemistry Laboratory (WCL) conducted in situ experiments at the Phoenix landing site and found solutions were dominated by ClO<sub>4</sub><sup>–</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, and Na<sup>+</sup>, at mM levels, with sub-mM concentrations of Ca<sup>2+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>, and Cl<sup>–</sup> and a pH of 7.7.<sup>34</sup> The minimal leachable ions from surface samples had a corrected electrical conductivity (EC) ranging from 1370 to 1900 μS cm<sup>–1</sup> at 25 °C. As the WCL extraction cell measured soil extracts at 1:25 (solid/solution), the reported EC values would likely be 5–25 times higher using traditional soil approaches (saturated paste extract; 1:1–1:5), indicating a highly saline soil that will need to be remediated prior to being used as a plant growth substrate, of which leaching with BLiSS solutions may be an effective management strategy.</p><h4><strong>Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>Analyses</strong></h5><p>After the 24 h batch experiment, the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the reacting solutions were measured to assess changes to solution chemistry after weathering. Solutions were acidified to 1% HNO<sub>3</sub> and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=iCAP+7000"><strong>(ICP-OES) (Thermo Scientific, iCAP 7000)</strong></a> in duplicate. Ion chromatography was used to analyze the ions without any sample preparation. Substrate samples were Au sputter-coated (Denton Vacuum, Desk IV) and mounted prior to scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) (Jeol, JSM-IT800). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2166"><strong>X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) (Thermo Scientific, Nexsa G2)</strong></a> was used on substrates to identify elemental bonding associations by using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489"><strong>Qtegra software</strong></a>. XPS data were processed in the Avantage Data System. X-ray diffraction (XRD) (Malvern Panalytical, Empyrean) was used to assess mineralogical changes to substrates and was performed using Bragg–Brentano mode. The diffraction data were recorded from 15 to 70 two-theta (2θ) degrees. HighScore curve fitting software was used to process the diffraction pattern and compared to the PDF-4+2023 International Center of Diffraction Database (ICDD).</p><h4><strong>Results</strong></h4><h5><strong>Weathering of Substrates</strong></h5><p>Visual observations of the substrates after the batch experiment revealed weathering to the minerals. In JSC-1A, the sharp mineral edges appeared to have some rounded-off features that reduced the overall sharpness of corners and edges (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267#fig5">Figure 5</a>); however, a quantitative analysis was not available to indicate if mineral sharpness was statistically reduced. In general, the overall particle size was not substantially reduced in a survey of all of the minerals. Notable artifacts of the weathering process include holes in the mineral faces where small particles collapsed and the appearance of webbing patterns in the anorthosite fraction of JSC-1A. Unfortunately, EDS was not able to detect any sorbed elements in these features (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267#fig6">Figure 6</a>). Because the detection limits of EDS are ∼1000 mg kg<sup>–1</sup>, it is reasonable that no sorbed features were detected, given that measured sorption densities after batch experimentation were lower than EDS detection limits. Further, the probed volume at a given electron energy is below the surface, whereas adsorbents are likely only located on the mineral surface.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_5_Lunar_simulant_JSC_1_A_imaged_with_scanning_electron_microscope_SEM_9c6a2aac87.jpg" alt="ACS Earth Space Chem. 2026, 10, 2, 441–454: Figure 5. Lunar simulant JSC-1A imaged with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electron beam energy ranged from 1 to 3 kV. The Hoagland’s and effluent images are after the 24 h batch experiment." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_5_Lunar_simulant_JSC_1_A_imaged_with_scanning_electron_microscope_SEM_9c6a2aac87.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_6_Scanning_electron_microscope_SEM_image_of_erosion_spots_on_lunar_simulant_JSC_1_A_after_batch_experiment_7c38902bc6.jpg" alt="ACS Earth Space Chem. 2026, 10, 2, 441–454: Figure 6. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of erosion spots on lunar simulant JSC-1A after batch experiment. Electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to investigate the elemental abundance of erosion regions and was set to 30 keV." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_6_Scanning_electron_microscope_SEM_image_of_erosion_spots_on_lunar_simulant_JSC_1_A_after_batch_experiment_7c38902bc6.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2083" height="1199"></p><h5><strong>Chemical Interaction</strong></h5><p>The elements C, N, P, and Ca were investigated with high-resolution XPS. For C, a major peak at ∼286 eV was observed in all substrates and solutions that corresponded to C–O bonding. Hoagland’s and effluent did not affect the XPS spectra significantly in JSC-1A; however, in MGS-1, there was a notable increase in the Hoagland’s and effluent-treated regolith at ∼294 eV, which corresponds to CF<sub>3</sub> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267#fig9">Figure 9</a>). Because F was not quantified, it is difficult to know if F was in differing concentrations between solutions. Hoagland’s was made from DI water and effluent processes a mixture of fecal simulant and tap water; it is unlikely that F was greater in Hoagland’s.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_9_Carbon_C_1s_peaks_of_lunar_JSC_1_A_and_martian_MGS_1_simulants_as_unaltered_materials_and_after_batch_experiment_using_XPS_82622dd14c.jpg" alt="ACS Earth Space Chem. 2026, 10, 2, 441–454: Figure 9. Carbon (C 1s) peaks of lunar (JSC-1A) and martian (MGS-1) simulants as unaltered materials and after batch experiment using XPS." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Earth_Space_Chem_2026_10_2_441_454_Figure_9_Carbon_C_1s_peaks_of_lunar_JSC_1_A_and_martian_MGS_1_simulants_as_unaltered_materials_and_after_batch_experiment_using_XPS_82622dd14c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2079" height="980"></p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>The hydrologic weathering of lunar and martian regolith simulants by BLiSS streams demonstrated increased plant essential nutrients and metals in solution due to highly soluble compounds and easily weatherable mineralogy. Multielement competitive sorption demonstrates low removal of P and K, but high supplementation of Ca, Mg, and S to the solution. The mechanistic differences between the organic BLiSS effluent and the inorganic nutrition solution were predominantly unaccounted for. It stands to reason that longer-term studies may follow up with the provided results to fully determine how supplementation of BLiSS solutions can be obtained from weathering of the regolith. Therefore, further experimentation that improves upon the extraction of elements of interest and increases the reaction time will be useful in fortifying the sustainability of human operations. The hydrologic weathering of sharp mineral edges also deserves quantitative investigation over time to understand whether reducing the abrasiveness of regolith offers an additional aspect of using BLiSS effluent on lunar and martian surface minerals.</p></div></div>

Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants Desorb and Weather after Exposure to Bioregenerative Life Support System Effluent

<p><strong>In the week from April 6, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: REE determination in waste water and effective doubly charged interference removal by ICP-MS</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 7.4.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6045">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore strategies to mitigate REE-related spectral interferences in wastewater analysis by ICP-MS, focusing on doubly charged ions and robust workflows for ultra-trace detection.</p><h5><strong>2. Milestone: Sustainable Sample Preparation</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 8.4.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6094">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how to make sample preparation more sustainable using microwave digestion, DMA, and GreenPrep MW Score. Join this webinar for practical strategies and greener workflows.</p><h5><strong>3. Bruker: Advances in AFM for the Characterization of 2D Materials</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 8.4.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6054">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore how AFM enables comprehensive nanoscale characterization of 2D materials. Learn about structural, electrical, and chemical mapping, AFM-IR, and nanomanipulation for device fabrication.</p>

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GDS950 is a glow discharge spectrometer for bulk elemental analysis and depth profiling of conductive and non-conductive solids, combining high-resolution optics with Cornerstone software for efficient, reliable results.

<p><strong>The GDS950 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced technology for routine elemental analysis and compositional depth profiling of both electrically conductive and non-conductive solid materials. By combining robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software, the GDS950 simplifies operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time in the laboratory.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg 190w," sizes="100vw" width="1824" height="1500"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared with alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to minimize matrix effects and improve analytical performance</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>120 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>30 pm (0.030 nm)</strong> to resolve complex spectral features</li><li>Stable and flexible CCD-based detection system</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling)</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of solid materials</li><li>Ideal for plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li><li>Seamlessly integrated within Cornerstone software for simplified analysis and reporting</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1345" height="433"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS950 is well suited for bulk elemental determination in metals and other solid materials such as steel, cast iron, titanium, and related alloys. With the optional CDP capability, the system supports depth profile analysis of surface treatments including galvanizing, plating, heat treatment layers, and claddings. When equipped with the optional DC/RF lamp configuration, the analytical scope expands to include electrically non-conductive materials such as paints, glass, plastics, and other coated or polymeric solids.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted on the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then backfilled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode, resulting in a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma.</p><p>The applied current is controlled by the power supply, while lamp voltage is stabilized through regulation of the argon pressure. Once the plasma is formed, argon ions are accelerated toward the sample surface. Through cathodic sputtering, kinetic energy is transferred to surface atoms, ejecting them into the plasma.</p><p>Models equipped with the optional radio frequency (RF) source use RF energy instead of direct current to sustain the plasma. LECO’s proprietary True Plasma Power algorithm compensates for radiated and reflected power losses, enabling accurate quantitative bulk analysis and depth profiling of both conductive and non-conductive samples.</p><p>Ejected atoms undergo inelastic collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms, becoming electronically excited. As these atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at wavelengths characteristic of each element. Because every element has a unique emission spectrum, elemental identification is achieved through spectrochemical signatures.</p><p>The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range. CCD detector arrays capture the full spectrum from 120 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to remove dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Quantitative results are obtained by calibrating against reference materials of known composition.</p>

LECO GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer

GDS900 is a glow discharge spectrometer for fast, reliable bulk elemental and optional depth profiling analysis of conductive solids, combining high resolution optics with intuitive Cornerstone software.

<p><strong>The GDS900 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced, reliable technology for routine elemental determination in electrically conductive solid materials. Designed for high-performance industrial and laboratory environments, the GDS900 combines robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software to simplify operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared to alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to save time and minimize matrix effects</li><li>Improved analytical performance and reproducibility</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>160 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>50 pm (0.050 nm)</strong> for resolving complex spectral features</li><li>Stable, flexible detection platform based on CCD array technology</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling) Capability</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of conductive solids</li><li>Ideal for applications such as plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="600" height="399"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS900 is optimized for bulk elemental analysis of conductive solid materials, including steel, cast iron, titanium, and other metals. When equipped with the CDP option, it also supports compositional depth profiling of treated surfaces such as galvanizing layers, plated coatings, claddings, and heat-treated materials.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted onto the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then filled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode.</p><p>This setup generates a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma. Argon ions formed in the plasma are accelerated toward the sample surface, where they transfer kinetic energy to surface atoms through cathodic sputtering. These atoms are ejected into the plasma and become excited through collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms.</p><p>As the excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at characteristic wavelengths unique to each element. The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range.</p><p>Photosensitive CCD detector arrays capture the full emission spectrum from 160 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to correct for dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Since emitted photon intensity is proportional to elemental concentration, quantitative results are obtained through calibration with certified reference materials.</p><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><h5><strong>GDS900DCBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCEXBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQEXO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h4><strong>Options</strong></h4><ul><li>Integrated desk or mobile workstation</li><li>High-purity gas regulators</li><li>Vacuum pump sound abatement enclosure</li></ul>

Products from category GD-AES from LECO - page 1

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