Instrumentation for Determining Prebiotic Species in the Interstellar Medium

Oral presentation abstract

Design of Ion Optics for a New Instrument to Study Astrochemical Reactions

We are building an instrument to study the gas phase reaction dynamics of ions with neutral molecules using conditions similar to the interstellar medium with ions and neutral molecules that are known to exist in space. Specifically, we will be studying the branching ratios of product channels available in these reactions under a variety of temperatures, pressures, and external photon energies that adequately simulate the conditions of the interstellar medium. There are no commercial instruments that can provide all these specific conditions, therefore we are building a custom instrument at IWU. To efficiently build an instrument, often times scientists use simulation programs like SIMION to (1) optimize the use of space and (2) to design the optics to guide the ions as a beam. This program will reduce the time for troubleshooting the instrument, as well as the cost associated with it. The region that needed the most ion optics is near the ion trap where reactions take place. Therefore, a several types of ion optics were explored using SIMION (simulation program) in this study. The final design and current progress of the instrument building will be presented as part of the study

The Guidance and Detection of Astrochemically Significant Cations in a Vacuum

Astrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that occur in space. Due to the extremely low pressure and temperature in space, many unique reactions that are impossible on earth can occur in space. The rate of reactions that occur in the interstellar medium (ISM) is very low due to (1) the distance travelled before two molecules collide and (2) the charge of the reactants to trigger a reaction. The focus of the Perera research lab is to explore the possible gas phase reactions between ions and neutral molecules that may occur in the ISM. In order to simulate ISM conditions on earth it is necessary to construct a multi-stage instrument. The first stage of the instrument consists of a supersonic ion source. Between the first and second stage is a skimmer which helps to focus the ions. The second stage of the instrument contains the first set of ion optics, a set of deflector plates, which will condense the ions into a beam. At the end of this stage is a Faraday cup which will detect the ion beam. Using this measurement, we will be able to calculate the ion source capabilities in producing various precursor ions. I have built the circuitry controlling the ion source, designed the mount for the skimmer and the Faraday cup and designed and built the deflector plates

The Walkbook: Recipes for Walking and Wellbeing

Our public survey showed that more people walked during COVID-19, and walked more frequently. However, some people walked less, or their walking reduced over the various lockdowns. Many barriers or challenges to walking were identified by respondents. We have commissioned 30 artists from across the UK to contribute recipes to The Walkbook which address one or more of these research challenges including: bad weather, bored of walking, shielding, anxious, lack confidence, excluded, in pain, nowhere to walk, bored of walking the same route, cannot walk very far, frightened, lack time, can’t be bothered, isolated. We hope that The Walkbook provides people – individuals and groups – with inspiration to walk, and to keep on walking