Interstellar molecules and nanoparticles

我们正在研究深空材料的成分，看看能否在实验室复制这些材料。通过观察这些材料使恒星发出的光线变暗，并在红外中重新辐射这种能量的方式，我们知道它们是一种碳纳米颗粒，对恶劣的太空环境具有高度的抵抗力。了解为什么这些颗粒能够在这些条件下存活下来，将为生产具有新的物理和化学性质的碳纳米颗粒提供新的见解，这些纳米颗粒在地球上的应用领域广泛，包括能量储存、空气污染和药物靶向输送。我们对这些星际碳纳米颗粒性质的理论和实验室模拟包括开发新的实验技术，使我们能够探索非常小的颗粒领域。例如，我们已经找到了一种有效的方法来制造碳原子的长链，这种碳原子链可以携带电流，并充当分子导线。碳纳米颗粒是我们银河系中无处不在的组成部分，存在于整个宇宙中。通过识别这些粒子，我们将获得有关银河系化学演化以及星际云中的化学过程如何影响恒星形成的重要新信息。

We are studying the composition of deep-space materials to see if we can replicate these materials in the laboratory. From observations of the way in which these materials dim the light from stars and re-radiate this energy in the infrared, we know that they are a form of carbon nanoparticle that is highly resistant to the harsh environment of space. Understanding why these particles are so able to survive under these conditions will provide new insight into the production of carbon nanoparticles having novel physical and chemical properties for applications here on earth in fields as diverse as energy storage, air polution, and the targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals. Our theoretical and laboratory simulation of the properties of these interstellar carbon nanoparticles involves the development of new experimental techniques that enable us to explore the realm of very small particles. For example, we have found an efficient method of making long chains of carbon atoms that can carry current and that act as molecular wires. Carbon nanoparticles are a ubiquitous component of our galaxy and are present throughout the universe. By identifying these particles we will have important new information on the chemical evolution of our galaxy and on the way in which chemical processes in interstellar clouds can influence star formation.