Empirical simulations for further characterization of the Mars Science Laboratory Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer: An introduction to the ACES program

Simulation software was developed that accurately emulates the response of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) under variable experimental conditions including temperature, standoff, measurement duration, and target composition. Around 450 spectra collected on Mars provide the spectral library for calibration of the APXS Characterization by Empirical Simulation (ACES) software. Output from the ACES software package is presented alongside discussion of its development. Analyses of simulated spectra demonstrate major species compositions are well within instrument accuracy for the theoretical concentrations input in the simulation. The work presented herein provides the foundation and support for future scientifically motivated investigations including limits of detection for trace elements (i.e. atomic number 27 +) under various experimental conditions.