The Smallest Interstellar Grains: Optical/Near-IR Emission from Nanoparticles

AST-0606756研究机构：托莱多大学PI：Adolf Witt标题：最小的星际颗粒-纳米颗粒的光学/近红外发射摘要星际纳米颗粒是更大的星际颗粒的基石，最终是更大的固体物体，如彗星，小行星和类地行星。 Adolf Witt博士（托莱多大学）和Uma P. Vijh博士（空间望远镜科学研究所）将与Karl Gordon博士（亚利桑那大学）、Donald约克博士（芝加哥）和Steven Mandel先生（Mandel通信公司）合作，继续开展一项观测星云和高纬度弥漫星际介质的多方面分光光度计和CCD成像方案。 该研究的目标是详细描述并最终鉴定已知存在于星际介质中的发光纳米颗粒。该研究是跨学科的，利用了天体物理学，材料科学，纳米技术和物理化学的发现。预计与物理化学家的互动和合作将继续成为研究更广泛影响的一部分。 该计划的大部分构成了托莱多大学研究生博士论文项目的核心。 此外，该项目将为本科生提供研究机会。

AST-0606756INSTITUTION: University of ToledoPI: Adolf WittTITLE: The Smallest Interstellar Grains - Optical/Near Infrared Emission from NanoparticlesABSTRACTInterstellar nanoparticles are the building blocks of larger interstellar grains, and ultimately of still larger solid bodies such as comets, asteroids, and terrestrial planets. Dr. Adolf Witt (University of Toledo) and Dr. Uma P. Vijh (Space Telescope Science Institute), in collaboration with Dr. Karl Gordon (University of Arizona), Dr. Donald York (University of Chicago), and Mr. Steven Mandel (Mandel Communications), will continue a multifaceted spectrophotometric and CCD-imaging program of observations of nebulae and the high-latitude diffuse interstellar medium. The goal of the research is to lead to a detailed characterization, and eventual identification, of luminescent nanoparticles known to exist in the interstellar medium.The research is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on findings from astrophysics, materials science, nanotechnology, and physical chemistry. It is anticipated that interactions and collaborations with physical chemists will continue to be part of the broader impact of the research. The bulk of this program forms the core of the PhD thesis project of a University of Toledo graduate student. In addition, this project will provide research opportunities for undergraduates.