A cryogenic ice setup to simulate carbon atom reactions in interstellar ices
D Qasim1, M J A Witlox2, G Fedoseev1
1Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9513, NL-2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 4, 2020
Summary
A new carbon atom beam source was developed to study interstellar ice reactions. This tool enables the investigation of complex organic molecule formation in simulated interstellar cloud conditions.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Interstellar ices are crucial for complex organic molecule (COM) formation.
- Previous experimental setups lacked a dedicated carbon atom beam for simulating interstellar conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement a customized carbon atom beam source.
- To integrate this source into an existing ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) setup (SURFRESIDE^2).
- To enable the study of solid-state reaction routes in interstellar ices.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel carbon atom beamline.
- Integration into the SURFRESIDE^2 UHV apparatus.
- Quantitative performance assessment using a C + 18O2 reaction experiment.
- Computational derivation of activation barriers.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a third atom (C) beamline, creating a unique experimental system.
- Characterization of the carbon atom beam's flux, temperature, and beam size.
- Experimental validation of the carbon beam's performance in a model reaction.
Conclusions:
- The developed carbon atom beam source is well-suited for simulating interstellar cloud conditions.
- This system facilitates the study of solid-state COM formation via carbon atom reactions.
- The setup advances research into the origins of interstellar organic chemistry.
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