Simulation of organic interstellar dust in the laboratory

Abstract

New techniques for the generation and analysis of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been developed and have resulted in the production of CNP samples whose infrared spectral properties are essentially identical to those observed in interstellar absorption and emission. These particles are of mixed aromatic/aliphatic composition. Spectra of CNPs containing 10 2-104 atoms will be discussed in relation to spectra of interstellar materials. We find that infrared line widths in these samples are typically 10-30 cm-1, but can be as small as 2 cm-1. Simulation of the 3.28 μm feature is shown to yield important new insight into the nature of interstellar CNPs. © 2008 International Astronomical Union.