Micro-FTIR measurements on individual interplanetary dust particles

The unique characteristics of micro-FTIR spectroscopy for the study of individual interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are discussed: quick and nondestructive identification of dominant silicate phases (pyroxenes, olivines, layer lattice silicates) and selection of unique IDPs for subsequent intensive study by complementary analytical techniques; identification of potential carbonaceous carrier phases of isotopic anomalies; measurement of IR absorption features in IDPs that can be compared with IR emission features obtained by telescopic observations from comets and protostars. (Author)