Astronomical Institute
Topic
Radiation-driven astrochemical processes in ice phases: applications for space environments
PhD. program
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Zuzana Kaňuchová, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics
Annotation
Affiliation: Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Tatranská Lomnica, 059 60 Vysoké Tatry
Focus of the research: Laboratory investigations of chemical processes occurring in ices relevant to astrophysics have demonstrated the dependence of this chemistry on a number of experimental parameters (e.g., temperature, irradiating particle, dose). Although it has been found that different factors influence this chemistry, one aspect that hasn’t been explored to a great extent is the specific phase of the solid ice being studied. Understanding the solid phases of ices is crucial for studying how their molecular structures influence radiation-driven astrochemical processes (e.g. phase transition, ice compaction, radiolytic decay of molecules, formation of new molecules) occurring in various space environments.
Objectives: The aim of this project will be to systematically and quantitatively characterize the impact of various types of radiation (e.g., electron, ion, photon) on the different phases of various molecular ices relevant to astrochemistry. The candidate will make use of an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber equipped with a substrate that is able to cooled to cryogenic temperatures to prepare astrochemical ice analogues, which will then be irradiated by various radiation sources (e.g., particle accelerators, electron guns, ultraviolet lamps). The candidate will acquire spectroscopic and spectrometric data during these irradiations which will allow him / her to quantify: (i) the rate of destruction of the target ices, (ii) the rate of formation of new product molecules, and, most importantly, (iii) any apparent differences between different phases of the same molecular ice (e.g., between amorphous and crystalline ices). The information gained from these experiments will be of use in further elucidating data obtained by space missions aimed at characterizing the solid-state radiation chemistry of the interstellar medium and the outer Solar System.
Requirements:
– MSc degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, astronomy, engineering, or other relevant quantitative scientific field
– Knowledge of written and spoken English at an advanced level (thesis must be completed in English)
– Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy with a particular focus on infrared absorption spectroscopy
– Programming and electrotechnical skills are not required but are certainly very welcome
Research field: astrochemistry of interstellar matter and Solar System objects
For a next information go to:
https://www.astro.sk/en/study/phd-study/
Focus of the research: Laboratory investigations of chemical processes occurring in ices relevant to astrophysics have demonstrated the dependence of this chemistry on a number of experimental parameters (e.g., temperature, irradiating particle, dose). Although it has been found that different factors influence this chemistry, one aspect that hasn’t been explored to a great extent is the specific phase of the solid ice being studied. Understanding the solid phases of ices is crucial for studying how their molecular structures influence radiation-driven astrochemical processes (e.g. phase transition, ice compaction, radiolytic decay of molecules, formation of new molecules) occurring in various space environments.
Objectives: The aim of this project will be to systematically and quantitatively characterize the impact of various types of radiation (e.g., electron, ion, photon) on the different phases of various molecular ices relevant to astrochemistry. The candidate will make use of an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber equipped with a substrate that is able to cooled to cryogenic temperatures to prepare astrochemical ice analogues, which will then be irradiated by various radiation sources (e.g., particle accelerators, electron guns, ultraviolet lamps). The candidate will acquire spectroscopic and spectrometric data during these irradiations which will allow him / her to quantify: (i) the rate of destruction of the target ices, (ii) the rate of formation of new product molecules, and, most importantly, (iii) any apparent differences between different phases of the same molecular ice (e.g., between amorphous and crystalline ices). The information gained from these experiments will be of use in further elucidating data obtained by space missions aimed at characterizing the solid-state radiation chemistry of the interstellar medium and the outer Solar System.
Requirements:
– MSc degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, astronomy, engineering, or other relevant quantitative scientific field
– Knowledge of written and spoken English at an advanced level (thesis must be completed in English)
– Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy with a particular focus on infrared absorption spectroscopy
– Programming and electrotechnical skills are not required but are certainly very welcome
Research field: astrochemistry of interstellar matter and Solar System objects
For a next information go to:
https://www.astro.sk/en/study/phd-study/