LV-DIB-s4PT: A new tool for astrochemistry

Abstract

The combination of a 3 K cryogenic radiofrequency ion trapping apparatus and a laser vaporization source is described. This instrument was constructed for the synthesis and characterization of gas phase molecules, particularly those that are difficult to make using traditional organic chemistry routes. The flexible time scale for storage and relaxation afforded by the trap enables spectroscopic investigation of ions that are challenging to cool using supersonic expansions. Routine in situ tagging of cations with helium facilitates one-photon experiments. The potential of this instrument is demonstrated by providing data on the 2B2 ↠X 2A1 electronic transition of cyclic C6+, a system that had thus far evaded spectroscopic interrogation in the gas phase.