Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-12-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
To appear in Astrophysics of Dust, ASP Conf. Proceedings, ed. A. N. Witt, G. C. Clayton, and B. T. Draine
Scientific paper
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) has provided the first complete mid-IR spectra for a wide range of objects. Almost all of these spectra are dominated by the well-known infrared emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, and 11.2 $\mu$m, the so-called Unidentified Infra-Red (UIR) features. Besides the major features, there is an array of minor features and broad plateaux stretching from 3 to 20 $\mu$m which reveal subtle details of conditions in the emission zones and properties of the carriers. Generally attributed to the vibrational relaxation of UV-pumped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) containing some 50--100 C-atoms, these UIR spectra are a treasure trove of information. The ISO spectra have, for the first time, allowed a systematic analysis of the spectral characteristics of the UIR features in a wide variety of environments. The peak positions, profiles, and relative strengths of the major features vary from source to source and spatially within sources. These specific profiles are not unique to certain object types but can occur within each individual source. Here, we review ISO and recent ground-based observations and assess some of their implications.
Allamandola Louis J.
Hony Sacha
Hudgins Douglas M.
Peeters Els
Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Unidentified InfraRed Features after ISO does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Unidentified InfraRed Features after ISO, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Unidentified InfraRed Features after ISO will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-237303