Infrared and Far-infrared spectra of molecular anions (B08)

• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 500700252

Laboratory spectra of molecular anions are largely missing because they are hard to measure. This project uses action spectroscopy in ion traps to open the door in this direction. Rotational spectra of small anions shall help to find such species with radio observations. Vibrational spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potential carriers of the unidentified infrared bands (UIRs) and in the era of the James Webb telescope (JWST) spectra of anionic PAHs may turn into a diagnostic tool for the different interstellar environments (habitats) in close and distant star forming regions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1601: Habitats of massive stars across cosmic time
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Dr. Oskar Asvany; Professor Dr. Stephan Schlemmer; Dr. Sven Thorwirth