Employing soft X-rays in experimental Astrochemistry

• Grant number: 11/14590-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Books published abroad
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Pilling Guapyassu de Oliveira
• Grantee: Sergio Pilling Guapyassu de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D). Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this chapter we will discuss firstly about the origin and relevance of soft X-rays in astrophysics. The effect of ionizing radiation in organic molecules present in astrophysical environment. We will discuss the use soft X-rays at astrochemistry laboratory studies involving in both gas and solid-phase (ice). We will make a review covering our publications in this field, in particular, about the experiments employing time-of-flight spectroscopy (TOF-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and photon stimulated ion desorption PSID-TOF-MS. We will add several unpublished data. Finally we will discuss the implications of this research on the study of origin of life. (AU)