Laboratory Studies of Astrophysically Significant Carbon Molecules And Ions in Support of Space Missions

We intend to investigate the spectral properties and energetic characteristics of carbon-bearing molecules and nanosized molecules of interest to the Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program. Using Ames unique laboratory facility, the Cosmic Simulation Chamber (COSmIC), which combines a supersonic jet expansion with cavity ringdown spectroscopy and Reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry, we will measure for the first time laboratory spectra of large carbon molecules, radicals and positive and negative ions that can be directly compared to space data for the unambiguous detection of specific species in space. We will also monitor the formation of carbon clusters and nanomolecules from molecular precursors and measure their spectral signatures. These laboratory data are crucial to the support of planned missions (JWST) and to on-going, recently-serviced missions (SOFIA, COS/HST, Herschel). The goal is also to address some of the most fundamental unresolved issues in astrophysics: the molecular inventory of the interstellar medium and its relationship to molecular complexity and ultimately to the origin of life, the formation of interstellar dust from gas-phase atoms and molecules. These goals are the focus of current as well as future (post-HST era) missions considered by NASA.

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