Elemental Analysis for Asteroid Ryugu Samples Using Muonic X-ray Analysis

Abstract

Muonic X-ray analysis is an elemental analysis method by detecting characteristic X-rays emitted from muonic atoms and has various advantages, for example, it can detect light elements such as carbon non-destructively. Our research group has been studying to apply this new analytical method to the sample of the asteroid Ryugu brought back by the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2. This paper outlines the research conducted at J-PARC muon facility so far and the preparation status of the experiment on Ryugu samples scheduled to be conducted from June to July 2021. To make this experiment successful, a device with a glove box has been developed that can analyze microsamples in a helium atmosphere, achieving very low background levels.