Experimental Stimulation of Sublimating Water Ice on the Earth and the Moon with Measuring D/H Ratios

In this paper, we present a draft new experimental setup for studying the sublimation of water ice at low temperatures under different conditions. The sublimation temperature could be varied from − 196 to 0 °C. Also, the unit is connected to an Isotope Ratio Mass spectrometer (IRMS). An isotopic mass spectrometer allows measuring the isotopic composition of vapors of an evaporating substance and the rate of sublimation under specified physic-chemical conditions. The gas input into the mass spectrometer on-line mode distinguishes the developed setup from the existing analogues. The developed setup is equipped with a transparent quartz window through which the surface of the test substance can be heated using a halogen lamp. The setup can also be used to study the sublimation of gas hydrates and CO2, to study the sorption of gases on the surface of various samples.