Scientific background

The interstellar medium (ISM) as well as the planets and moons within our Solar System provide us with unique environments to study fascinating chemistry under extreme conditions. From observations with ground based and space borne telescopes we have learned that building blocks of life form in regions of star formation and that large carbon-bearing molecules, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes withstand even the harshest environments in space. Space missions to planets and moons within our Solar System have shown that complex organics form in the atmosphere of Titan and that large organics emitted from the subsurface ocean of Enceladus are captured in Saturn's characteristic rings.

Our goal

The goal of our research group is to understand the chemical processes that govern the formation and dissociation of (prebiotic) hydrocarbons under extreme conditions, i.e. extreme temperatures (both low and high) and strong radiation fields. A particular focus is put on understanding the chemical evolution of (prebiotic) carbonaceous molecules in the interstellar medium, from the early stages of star formation, to our current day Solar System. A solid understanding of the chemical reactions and the spectroscopy of the reactive species in these regions facilitates the interpretation of the data from telescopes and space missions.

Our methods

We make use of a variety of state-of-the-art physicochemical measurement techniques, both in our laboratory and at large scale facilities, such as free electron laser and synchrotron facililties. We furthermore perform quantum chemical computations to gain insight into the chemical reactions at a molecular level. Find out more about our methods on the instruments page.