Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism

Details Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism

Jan 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997apj...475..144k&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal v.475, p.144

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

19

Ism: Molecules, Ism: Cosmic Rays, Molecular Processes

Scientific paper

Methane, ethylene, and acetylene ices were irradiated in a ultra-high vacuum vessel between 10 K and 50 K with 7.3 MeV protons as well as 9.0 MeV He2+ nuclei to simulate the interaction of galactic cosmic-ray particles with extraterrestrial, organic ices and to elucidate a mechanistic model to synthesize experimentally detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Theoretical calculations center on computer simulations of ion-induced collision cascades in irradiated methane targets. MeV ions induce hydrogen and carbon knock-on particles in elastic encounters with the target atoms. Each primary knock-on triggers one collision cascade with up to 70 suprathermal carbon atoms concentrated in one to two sub-cascades in 0.6--5 x 103 A3. At the end point of each single trajectory, every suprathermal carbon atom can form an individual reaction center of hydrogen abstraction and insertion in or addition to chemical bonds of a reactant molecule. In the relaxation phase of this energized volume, overlapping reaction zones likely form observed PAHs napthalene, phenanthrene/azulene, and coronene. This multicenter mechanism establishes a versatile route to synthesize complex molecules in extraterrestrial ices even at temperatures as low as 10 K within cosmic-ray-initiated single collision cascades.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism 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 Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Theoretical and Laboratory Studies on the Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Particles with Interstellar Ices. I. Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a Cosmic-Ray--induced Multicenter Mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1785781