Using the non-destructive, penetrative and high-resolution properties of the ESRF X-ray beams we have developed a highly sensitive hyperspectral methodology of analysis of solid samples on which we can identify present or past life traces. Our methodology associates X-ray fluorescence, tomography and speciation – and a brush-up of these techniques will be presented. We have designed and patented a quarantine extraterrestrial sample holder, aimed at analyzing Samples from Returned Missions, such as Hayabusa 2, Osiris Rex and Mars 2025. This was tested on several meteorites which contained putative life traces, and on bio-mineral analogs at the micron scale.

Graduating to the current ESRF nanosized beams enforced a “measurement revolution”, implicating a re-evaluation of the sample preparation by revized FIB techniques for sectioning and polishing both samples and standards necessary for quantitative calibrations. The enhanced resolution/trace element goal was reached by analyzing samples down to several tens of nanometers, and quantifying intermediate Z (atomic number) elements in low Z (bio) matrices to the ultratrace levels (few tens of ppm). This is the level at which life appears on minerals and to identify it our plan is to search for 100 nm to few ?m closed-contour morphologies, encased in selectively permeable kerogenuous membranes protecting them from the medium and controlling their fluid exchanges. Speciation of fingerprint intermediate Z key elements, “camouflaged” in low Z matrices, will indicate the nature of local exchange chemistry, pinpointing the location of specific minuscule chemical actors and finally converging to… LIFE.