Understanding the formation of complex organic molecules in space: a view from the laboratory
Abstract
The detection of Complex Organic Molecules (COMs) in space has posed the question: how do they form? Currently, in laboratories there are capabilities to simulate conditions in many interstellar and planetary environments; observations and simulations have given us an idea of the composition of ices coating dust grains where many COMs are formed. But this information is not detailed, and there are many questions about which COMs form, in what conditions and at what rate. Laboratory experiments can help in obtaining the missing information by honing on key processes. For example, a key process in the formation of COMs in ices is diffusion. The process of diffusion of atoms/molecules in ices, driven by temperature or absorption of energetic particles/radiation, is still very poorly characterized, although recent experiments show great promise to generate quantitative data on the activation energy for such process. These data are then used for simulations of the chemical evolution of ices in space environments. Another example is laboratory work to understand how the complex molecules that are formed in ices in interstellar space are ejected from them, especially when the ice temperature is low ($\sim$10K). In this review we will look at some of the experimental methods that have been used to study the processes of diffusion, formation and desorption of COMs in ices in simulated interstellar conditions.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1967V