Laboratory Astrochemistry

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This project bridges the research fields of molecular spectroscopy, nanoscience, chemical physics and astronomy. The aim is to investigate, using a unique combination of modern tools, the gas phase spectroscopic and chemical properties of carbonaceous molecules that are of central importance to astrochemistry. Motivation comes from the recent discovery of C60 in circumstellar environments and the identification of C + as the first carrier of several of the enigmatic diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). These discoveries suggest that there must be a significant number of other fullerene analogues present in the interstellar medium and here one of the objectives is to synthesise and spectroscopically characterise them at low temperatures, enabling a direct comparison with astronomical observations. This will be achieved using an innovative combination of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques based on ion storage in a temperature variable radiofrequency trap. Ultimately, one of the aims of the project is to address the grand challenge of identifying some of the remaining DIB carrier molecules, leading to insight into their role in the transportation of organic matter from circumstellar shells to regions where star and planet formation occurs. The scientific programme is also motivated by spectroscopic investigation of complex molecular ions, with extension from the optical region to the infrared where emission features typically cited as arising due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found. Experiments will be carried out using ion traps coupled with lasers, beams of molecules and radicals and modern methods of mass spectrometry.