Deep UV Raman spectroscopy for planetary exploration: The search for in situ organics

•Deep UV Raman spectroscopy is explored for its astrobiological applications.•Spectra of relevant standards presented for an excitation wavelength of 248.6nm.•Standards detectable at a concentration of 1 wt% in a Martian analog (basaltic dust).•Aromatic compounds exhibit strong signals down to as low as 0.1 wt% (or lower).•This technique is utilized by SHERLOC, a Mars 2020 arm-mounted instrument.