Project:	Upgrading the software and functionality of the PIXL ground-based science testbed (JPL AO No. 16118)
Disciplines:	Information Systems/Technology, Computing and Physics
Mentor:	Chris Heirwegh, (JPL), christopher.m.heirwegh@jpl.nasa.gov, Phone: (626) 807-5420
Mentor URL:	https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/heirwegh/  (opens in new window)
Background:	The Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) [1] is a focused beam in situ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer mounted on the arm of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. Planetary scientists rely on PIXL’s quantifiable elemental map-making capability to resolve details of chemical textures in the rock. Data returned to Earth, from PIXL, support investigations into the early formation of Mars, conditions for past habitability and signs of possible biosignatures found in the rock record. Prior to launch, PIXL was calibrated [2] to ensure that it would be capable of measuring rock-forming element concentrations accurately. Even with the calibration, scientific and technical questions occurring in-flight arise that require use of an analogous ground-based instrument to help provide answers. The PIXL-like breadboard testbed at JPL [3] is used frequently for this purpose. One such investigation is seeking to understand if we might better constrain PIXL uncertainties applied to individual elements through measuring many additional geological reference materials. Another is to assess detection limits of trace elements, such as Ce, whose substitution in crystals defects complicates organic detections in aqueously altered rocks [4,5]. As the original breadboard instrument has been in use for nearly 10 years, several components need either to be upgraded or replaced. As well, dissemination of data returned from the breadboard using PIXL’s primary graphics user interface, PIXLISE [1,6], is not possible as an automated data pipeline has not been set up. The PIXL team is seeking to refurbish the existing testbed, to update useability on modern operating systems, replace failed components and develop the PIXLISE data dissemination pipeline. Expertise in LabView coding and equipment upgrading are therefore needed to support this effort. This refurbishment is expected to directly support the ongoing research investigations being made by the PIXL team.
Description:	The selected candidate would be responsible for supporting the following: updating the breadboard system so that LabVIEW software can run off of modern PC machines, improve accessibility into the digital signal processor settings of the Ketek GmbH detectors, install a position finding-camera system, re-furbishing the LabVIEW graphics-user interface and generating a breadboard-PIXLISE data pipeline. The selected candidate will work closely with Dr. Chris Heirwegh and Dr. Kyle Uckert, both of JPL, to support this effort. Communication with equipment supplier technical support will likely be necessary. As well, the candidate may collaborate with other members of the PIXL science team and gain science-driven feedback on areas of the refurbishment to focus on. The candidate will provide weekly updates on their progress and a final written report summarizing their work and findings. Through this role, the selected candidate is expected to gain hands-on experience in setting up major laboratory systems. As well, they will experience working on a project in a supplier-customer setting in which their role will be to supply PIXL scientists with instrumentation that is optimized for their research use.
References:	[1] A. C. Allwood et al., PIXL: Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, Space Sci. Rev. 216 (2020) 134. doi:10.1007/s11214-020-00767-7 [2] C. M. Heirwegh et al., Pre-Flight Calibration of PIXL for X-ray Fluorescence Elemental Quantification (2024) arXiv:2402.01544 [physics.app-ph]. [3] C. M. Heirwegh et al., The Focused Beam X-ray Fluorescence Elemental Quantification Software Package PIQUANT, Spectrochim. Acta B, 196 (2022) 106520. doi:10.1016/j.sab.2022.106520. [4] E. L. Scheller et al., Inorganic Interpretation of Luminescent Materials Encountered by the Perseverance Rover on Mars, Science Advances, 10 (2024) 39, eadm8241 doi:10.1126/sciadv.adm8241 [5] S. J. VanBommel et al., Rare earth element assessment in Jezero crater using the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry on the Mars 2020 rover Perseverance: A case study of cerium, Icarus, 425 (2025) 116355. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2024.116355 [6] T. Barber, S. Davidoff, W. T. Elam, C. M. Heirwegh (2022). pixlise/piquant: 2.0 open source migration release (v2.0). Zenodo. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6959126 PIXL and Mars 2020 - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/ XRF Fundamentals: R. Van Grieken, Handbook of X-Ray Spectrometry B. Beckhoff, Handbook of Practical X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis
Student Requirements:	The candidate selected for this role should be enrolled in a university degree program in physics, computer science, engineering or related field. Skill in LabVIEW design for graphics user interfacing is highly sought after though not necessarily a requirement. An ability to carry out verbal and written communication are necessary as upgrades are expected to require significant collaboration and iterative discussions. Past experience working in a laboratory setting will be considered an asset but not a requirement. The selected candidate must be self-driven and able to work independently or on small teams, both with expectation of periodic support being provided by their advisor. The candidate must also take initiative to reach out for guidance when needed.
Location / Safety:	Project building and/or room locations: . Student will need special safety training: .
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF@JPL    both Caltech and non-Caltech students  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.