The PAH hypothesis after 25 years

Abstract

The infrared spectra of many galactic and extragalactic objects are dominated by emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6 and 11.2 μm. The carriers of these features remained a mystery for almost a decade, hence the bands were dubbed the unidentified infrared (UIR) bands. Since the mid-80's, the UIR bands are generally attributed to the IR fluorescence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) upon absorption of UV photons-the PAH hypothesis. Here we review the progress made over the past 25 years in understanding the UIR bands and their carriers. © 2011 International Astronomical Union.