Erlangen 2022 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

SYLA: Symposium Laboratory Astrophysics

SYLA 1: Laboratory Astrophysics

SYLA 1.3: Invited Talk

Monday, March 14, 2022, 15:00–15:30, Audimax

Molecular Astrophysics at the Cryogenic Storage Ring — •Holger Kreckel — Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Ever since the first molecular species were detected in interstellar space, more than 80 years ago, their abundance and formation mechanisms have challenged the curious minds of molecular physicists. Today, the molecular composition of the universe is at the forefront of observational astronomy, as modern telescopes target molecular transitions from infrared to millimeter wavelengths. Besides the observational efforts, reliable laboratory data and comprehensive modeling are required to gain insight into the life cycle of molecules in space. The Cryogenic Storage Ring (CSR) was designed as a versatile test bench to prepare atomic and molecular ion beams for detailed merged beams experiments at cryogenic temperatures and extremely low pressure. We will give an overview of the experimental capabilities of the CSR and present recent results for state-selected reaction studies of molecular ions with free electrons and neutral atoms. These processes are of paramount importance for the chemistry of the interstaller medium and the formation of the first stars in universe.