QUB Low Energy Ion-Ices Irradiation Experiment

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

Ion processing plays an important role in the chemical and physical modification of ice surfaces in astrophysical environments. This experimental project supported by the LASSIE ITN, led by Dr Tom Field, will investigate irradiation of astrophysical ice analogues by singly and multiply charged ion analogues of cosmic rays. Singly or multiply charged ions of either gaseous or solid elements are produced by a compact permanent magnet Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source attached to a ''floating beamline'' accelerator. Charge (q) to mass analysed ion beams in the energy range from a few 100 eV to 5xq keV are directed into a dedicated experimental chamber containing a temperature controlled (6K - 300K) cryostatically cooled sample of an astrophysical ice analogue. Current diagnostics include a differentially pumped, high resolution, quadrupole mass spectrometer mounted in ''line of sight'' of the ion impact area of the ice sample In a preliminary collaborative experiment with the groups of Prof Nigel Mason (Open University, UK) and Prof Elisabetta Palumbo (INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania. Italy) and using a cryostat and FTIR spectrometer provided by Prof Nigel Mason we studied the interaction of 4 keV C+ and C2+ ions with H2O ices at 30K AND 90K. The most significant species formed in these interactions was 13CO2, the yield of which, with singly charged ions, could be explained by the competition between a formation and a destruction mechanism. In the case of doubly charged ions, explanation of the CO2 yield required additional formation and destruction mechanisms which were considered to be a result of the additional potential energy possessed by the projectile ions. These results also showed the influence of sample temperature and morphology. It is clear that for both singly and doubly charged projectile ions, the yield of 13CO2 was greater at 30K than at 90K. This effect has been observed elsewhere and has been assigned to the greater porosity of the 30K ice which leads to increased surface area on which reactions may occur.

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