CAREER: Understanding Stellar Forges: The Properties and the Physics of Formation of Cosmic Dust

尘埃是星际介质的次要组成部分，但在宇宙的演化和我们观测宇宙的能力方面起着重要作用。拉扎蒂博士和他的小组将联合收割机结合分析和数值技术，研究各种尺寸的尘埃颗粒，从最小的大分子和团簇到微米级的结晶和非结晶固体。在该项目的第一部分，小尘埃颗粒的结构和光学特性将计算密度泛函理论技术。将研究多达1000个原子的原子和分子簇。在第二部分中，将通过发展动力学理论来改进尘埃成核模型，该理论包括现实的原子结构、放松热平衡的假设并包括能量交换的量化。最后，将计算来自恒星大气和风、超新星和活动星系核外流的尘埃产量。该项目将描绘出宇宙尘埃形成的更清晰的图像，并有可能提供对弥漫星际带和2175埃特征的载体的识别。尘埃团的光学性质将是星系辐射传输模型、星星形成甚至大气研究的宝贵组成部分，因为煤烟和碳质宇宙尘埃有许多相似之处。研究结果将通过PI和北卡罗来纳州自然科学博物馆之间的合作向公众传播。Lazzati博士和博物馆工作人员将为K-12学生和公众开发关于宇宙中元素和尘埃演变的互动英语和西班牙语节目。这些节目最终将被转换成视频，可以在全国各地的博物馆和学校播放。将为教育工作者和教师编制配套的教学材料。这些活动的双语性质将被利用，以促进西班牙裔/拉丁裔社区更广泛地参与STEM职业。来自贫困背景的高中生和本科生也将加入PI的暑期研究项目小组。

Dust is a minor component of the interstellar medium but plays a major role in the evolution of the universe and on our capability to observe it. Dr. Lazzati and his group will combine analytical and numerical techniques to study dust particles of all sizes, from the smallest macromolecules and clusters up to micron-sized crystalline and amorphous solids. In the first part of the project structural and optical properties of small dust grains will be computed with density functional theory techniques. Atomic and molecular clusters with up to 1000 atoms will be studied. In the second part models of dust nucleation will be improved by developing a kinetic theory that includes realistic atomic structures, relaxes the assumption of thermal equilibrium, and includes quantization of energy exchanges. Finally, dust yields from stellar atmospheres and winds, supernovae, and AGN outflows will be computed. This project will paint a clearer picture of cosmic dust formation and has the potential to provide the identification of the carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands and of the 2175 Angstrom feature. The optical properties of dust clusters will be an invaluable ingredient for radiation transfer models in galaxies, star formation, and even for atmospheric studies, since soot and carbonaceous cosmic dust share many similarities.The results of the research will be disseminated to the public through a collaboration between the PI and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Dr. Lazzati and museum staff will develop interactive English and Spanish programs for K-12 students and the general public on the evolution of elements and dust in the universe. The programs will eventually be converted into videos that can be shown in museums and schools around the country. Accompanying instructional materials for educators and teachers will be developed. The bilingual character of the activities will be exploited to foster a broader participation of the Hispanic/Latino community in STEM careers. High-school and undergraduate students from underprivileged backgrounds will also join the PI's group for summer research projects.