The PIXL instrument can detect elements: Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Ga, Ge, As, and Zr, with important trace elements such as Rb, Sr, Y and Zr detectable at 10’s ppm level.

https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/spacecraft/instruments/pixl/for-scientists/
#Mars #Perseverance #PIXL
7/n

The PIXL Sensor Assembly is mounted at the end of the rover’s robotic arm. The control electronics are mounted inside the rover body.

The PIXL calibration target is mounted at the base of the robotic arm, on the front side of the rover.

The graphic below shows the location of PIXL and its calibration target, with PIXL looking directly at the calibration target.

https://an.rsl.wustl.edu/help/Content/About%20the%20mission/M20/Instruments/M20%20PIXL.htm
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3/n

PIXL measures the fine-scale chemical makeup of rocks using an X-ray spectrometer and a camera. It focuses an X-ray beam to a small spot ~ 150 µm, scans the surface with this beam, and then measures the induced X-ray fluorescence.

The presence of different elements result in spikes at various wavelengths and energy levels, which are measured by PIXL's X-ray spectrometer.

https://an.rsl.wustl.edu/help/Content/About%20the%20mission/M20/Instruments/M20%20PIXL.htm
#Mars #Perseverance #PIXL #Science
2/n