Fossil Plant Remains Diagnostics by Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Raman Spectroscopies

Fossilized plant remains have been studied simultaneously by laser induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies, to reveal the prospective methods for onsite or/and laser remote sensing in future extraterrestrial missions. A multiwavelength instrument, capable of fluorescence and Raman measurements, has been utilized for the study of isolated plant fossils, as well as fossils associated with sedimentary rocks. Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that plant fossils and rocks’ luminosity differed significantly due to chlorophyll derivatives (chlorin, porphyrins, lignin components etc.); therefore, fossilized plants can be easily detected at rock surfaces onsite. Raman spectroscopy highly altered the fossilized graphitic material via the carbon D and G bands. Our results demonstrated that combined laser-induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy measurements can provide new insights into the detection of samples with biogenicity indicators such as chlorophyll and its derivatives, as well as kerogenous materials. The prospects of multiwavelength LIDAR instrument studies under fieldwork conditions are discussed for fossils diagnostics. The method of laser remote sensing can be useful in geological exploration in the search for oil, coal-bearing rocks, and rocks with a high content of organic matter.