Shining light on interstellar matter : a laboratory study

In recent years it has become clear that the space in between the stars, contains a remarkable amount of highly diverse molecules, ranging from simple diatomics to large complex species. Astronomical observations and dedicated laboratory experiments show that icy dust grains play a prominent role in the chemical enrichment of matter in space. Exotic solid state reactions taking place for temperatures as low as -260 degree merge small abundant species to larger and larger compounds until species are formed that are considered to be of relevance for life; sugars, fats and precursors of amino acids. Ultimately this material is embedded in matter from which stars and planets form. So, could it be possible, that the ingredients for life form everywhere, in space, following very similar chemical pathways? In this thesis a dedicated laboratory study is described that studies exactly these processes. With a new experimental setup the physical and chemical processes are characterized that are needed to interpret and guide astronomical observations and that yield parameters needed as input in astrochemical models. It is concluded that the chemical complexity in the solid state reaches out much further than assumed so far.Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO)Laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistr

Novel approach to distinguish between vacuum UV-induced ice photodesorption and photoconversion. Investigation of CH_4, CH_3OH, and CH_3CN

Laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistr

Laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry of ultraviolet photo-processed ices

A new ultra-high vacuum experiment is described that allows studying photo-induced chemical processes in interstellar ice analogues. MATRI2CES - a Mass Analytical Tool to study Reactions in Interstellar ICES applies a new concept by combining laser desorption and time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the ultimate goal to characterize in situ and in real time the solid state evolution of organic compounds upon UV photolysis for astronomically relevant ice mixtures and temperatures. The performance of the experimental setup is demonstrated by the kinetic analysis of the different photoproducts of pure methane (CH4) ice at 20 K. A quantitative approach provides formation yields of several new species with up to four carbon atoms. Convincing evidence is found for the formation of even larger species. Typical mass resolutions obtained range from M/M ∼320 to ∼400 for CH4 and argon, respectively. Additional tests show that the typical detection limit (in monolayers) is ≤0.02 ML, substantially more sensitive than the regular techniques used to investigate chemical processes in interstellar ices.Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)Laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistr

Towards disentangling photodesorption and photodissociation in astronomical ice analogues

Laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistr

From Interstellar Ice Grains to Evolved Planetary Systems: The Role of Laboratory Studies

Interstellar matter and star formatio

UV spectral filtering by surface structures multilayer mirrors

A surface structured extreme ultraviolet multilayer mirror was developed showing full band suppression of UV