Adrian Edward Southard

Improving instrumentation for mass spectrometry.

My research has focused on simulations and experiments with new instruments which all interface or support the use of a mass spectrometer in some way. Subject areas include charged particle optics, computation fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, All of this engineering aims to improve the sensitivity and capabilities of mass spectrometers to facilitate the detection of organics on Mars, comets,or icy moons in the solar system like Europa, Enceladus, and Titan.

Mars organic molecular analyzer Mass Spectrometer

Mars

MOMA-MS aims to sample Martian soil as much as 2 meters deep and look for organics that may have survived exposure to radiation over billions of years. My focus is to provide the mass spectrometer with a  a fast response pressure gauge that will ensure its safe operation.

In situ mineral composition analysis via xray spectroscopy.

Planetary Geology

The mineralogy of planetary  surfaces is crucial in understanding the evolution of a planet.  The goal of this project is to develop higher resolution compositional maps of surfaces by bombarding the surface with high energy electrons so as to generate characteristics x-rays from the sample.

AROMA (Advanced Resolution Organic Molecular Analyzer)

Comets

AROMA is a higly sensitive, high-resolution (m/dm > 10,0000) mass analyzer capable of measurements of trace levels (< ppmw) of organic and inorganic compounds in icy environments of interest to planetary science.

Molecular Analyzer for complex refractory and organic-rich samples

Comets

The outcome of the proposed work will be a MACROS instrument laboratory
prototype that will determine inorganic mineral composition, broadband organic
sample content, and detailed structural analysis of high-priority compound
classes for a thorough understanding of the chemistry of planetary surface
materials.

Characterization of Ocean Realms and Life Signatures (CORALS)

Astrobiology

CORALS is a transformative laser-based mass spectrometer that will redefine
our understanding of Europa as a potentially habitable world through the detection/unambiguous identification of molecular biosignatures, and the chemical analysis of surface materials.

CHARACTERIZATION OF REGOLITH AND TRACE ECONOMIC RESOURCES (CRATER)

Moons

Here, we propose to develop a highly capable laser-based mass spectrometer that will transform our understanding of the Earth-Moon system. This comprehensive, versatile, and low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) in situ investigation will deliver:
1. Noninvasive, spatially resolved (micron-scale) compositional analysis of lunar regolith,
crustal rocks, and/or mantle-derived materials via laser ablation microprocessing with a
beam that can be scanned across the sample surface to generate 2D chemical maps;
2. Quantitative measurements of major and minor elemental composition, including cations
(e.g., transition metals) and anions (e.g., halogens), and trace levels of organic content over
a wide range of volatilities, ionization potentials, and molecular weights (up to 1000 Da);
3. Unrivaled disambiguation of atomic and molecular (polyatomic) isobaric interferences
and isotopologues via ultrahigh mass resolving powers and mass accuracy; and,
4. High-precision (percent scale) determinations of isotopic ratios and abundances.

A Fluidic Trap for Life Detection in Icy Planetary Env.: Part II

Astrochemistry

To develop the interface (i.e., Fluidic trap or FT) between a fluid delivery subsystem and a gas chromatography - mass spectrometer. This project aims to improve the limits of detection for such an interface.

Senior Scientist & Manager 2021- present

Universities Space Research Association - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Bldg. 37 S229

August 2021 - Present

Management of a group of multidisciplinary scientists/engineers working in the fields of heliophysics, cryospheres, and planetary sciences.

I am currently a member of ASMS (American Society of Mass Spectrometry) However, I've also been a member of APS and MRS.

2015 - Present