Scientists at the University of Nottingham have successfully employed a novel laser ultrasound technique to measure the stiffness of crystals within meteorites. This non-destructive method, known as spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS++), provides unprecedented insights into the exotic conditions under which these materials formed, conditions that are impossible to replicate on Earth.
The research, published in Scripta Materialia in May 2025, focused on analyzing the Gibeon meteorite, which is composed of an iron-nickel alloy with significant amounts of cobalt and phosphorus. The SRAS++ machine uses lasers to generate and detect acoustic waves on the material's surface, allowing researchers to examine the meteorite's properties without causing any damage.
Understanding the properties of meteorite crystals is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of planetary bodies. Studying these materials can also aid in the development of advanced alloys for aerospace and industrial applications, potentially enabling future space-based manufacturing. The findings contribute to our understanding of the unique mechanical and elastic properties of meteorites, which differ significantly from man-made iron-nickel alloys due to their unique formation conditions.