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PAH Clusters as Interstellar Very Small Grains
Joseph E Roser1,2, Alessandra Ricca1,2
1SETI Institute, 189 Bernardo Ave. Suite #200, Mountain View, CA 94043.
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. International Astronomical Union
|December 7, 2019
Summary
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) clusters may be interstellar very small grains (VSGs) responsible for aromatic infrared emission bands (AIBs). Laboratory spectroscopy of PAH clusters in argon matrices offers insights into their interstellar AIB contribution.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Interstellar Medium
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are abundant in space.
- PAH clusters are candidates for very small grains (VSGs) responsible for aromatic infrared emission bands (AIBs).
- Understanding the spectral properties of PAH clusters is crucial for interpreting interstellar observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infrared spectroscopy of PAH clusters.
- To determine the contribution of PAH clusters to interstellar dust and AIBs.
- To extrapolate laboratory findings to interstellar conditions.
Main Methods:
- Matrix isolation spectroscopy was used to study PAH clusters.
- Infrared spectra of PAH clusters in argon matrices were analyzed.
- Spectral shifts due to clustering were examined.
Main Results:
- Spectral shifts were observed for PAH clusters in argon matrices.
- These shifts provide clues about the AIB contribution of interstellar PAH clusters.
- Results were extrapolated to larger PAHs relevant to the interstellar medium.
Conclusions:
- PAH clusters are a plausible component of the VSG population.
- Spectroscopic studies of PAH clusters inform our understanding of interstellar dust.
- Further research can refine the role of PAH clusters in AIBs.
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