ChemCam is the instrument on NASA’s Curiosity rover that analyzes rocks using a laser.
ChemCam uses a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system to vaporize tiny amounts of rock and soil from a distance. Curiosity’s cameras then examine the resulting plasma to identify elements in the target. This lets scientists study promising rocks without first driving directly to them.
The instrument combines a laser and telescope on Curiosity’s mast with spectrometers inside the rover body. It can analyze targets several metres away, making it useful for surveying terrain and selecting places for closer investigation. ChemCam was developed through collaboration between NASA and French research institutions.
ChemCam is often confused with Curiosity’s Mastcam cameras or the SAM laboratory. Mastcam provides visible-light and infrared images, while SAM analyzes drilled or delivered samples inside the rover. ChemCam’s distinctive feature is remote elemental analysis using laser pulses.