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

AST-0606756研究：托莱多大学：Adolf WittTITLE：最小的星际颗粒-来自纳米粒子的光学/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，如彗星、小行星和类地行星。阿道夫·威特博士(托莱多大学)和Uma P.Vijh博士(空间望远镜科学研究所)与卡尔·戈登博士(亚利桑那大学)、唐纳德·约克博士(芝加哥大学)和Steven Mandel先生(曼德尔通信)合作，将继续实施一个多方面的分光光度和CCD成像计划，对星云和高纬度漫射星际介质进行观测。这项研究的目标是对已知存在于星际介质中的发光纳米颗粒进行详细的表征，并最终进行识别。这项研究是跨学科的，借鉴了天体物理、材料科学、纳米技术和物理化学的成果。预计与物理化学家的互动和合作将继续成为这项研究更广泛影响的一部分。这个项目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，该项目还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.