VIZSLA-Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry.

Area of Science:

• Laboratory astrophysics
• Astrochemistry
• Low-temperature physics

Background:

• Astrophysical ices and low-temperature matrices are crucial for understanding chemical evolution in space.
• Investigating reactions with H atoms and ions in para-H2 matrices provides insights into early universe chemistry.
• Analog ice studies are essential for simulating conditions found in interstellar environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce VIZSLA (Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry), a novel multi-functional high-vacuum setup.
• Enable detailed investigation of astrophysical processes in both para-H2 matrices and analog ices.
• Facilitate the study of astrochemical molecule reactions with H atoms and H+ ions.

Main Methods:

• Utilize a para-H2 matrix for studying reactions with H atoms and H+ ions.
• Employ various irradiation sources (electron gun, H atom beam, H Lyman-α lamp, tunable laser) for analog ice processing.
• Incorporate FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy, and quadrupole mass analysis for detection.
• Implement temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) coupled with matrix-isolation recondensation for analyzing desorbing products.

Main Results:

• Demonstrate the capability to study reactions in para-H2 matrices and process analog ices.
• Achieve efficient redeposition of desorbing molecules (8-20%) onto a second cryogenic head.
• Obtain well-resolved spectra of molecules isolated in an Ar matrix for product identification.
• Provide examples showcasing the utility of para-H2 matrix and TPD-matrix-isolation experiments.

Conclusions:

• VIZSLA is a versatile tool for laboratory astrochemistry, complementing existing setups.
• The setup aids in understanding astrophysically important chemical processes at low temperatures.
• Matrix-isolation recondensation offers a unique method for identifying products from processed ices.