Remote Sensing of Chiral Signatures on Mars
  We describe circular polarization as a remote sensing diagnostic of chiral signatures which may be applied to Mars. The remarkable phenomenon of homochirality provides a unique biosignature which can be amenable to remote sensing through circular polarization spectroscopy. The natural tendency of microbes to congregate in close knit communities would be beneficial for such a survey. Observations of selected areas of the Mars surface could reveal chiral signatures and hence explore the possibility of extant or preserved biological material. We describe a new instrumental technique that may enable observations of this form. 
William Sparks (Space Telescope Science Institute), James H. Hough   (University of Hertfordshire), Thomas A. Germer (Nation...
astro-ph.EP