Abstract

Invited Talk - Splinter CosmicRays

Monday, 13 September 2021, 11:45   (virtual Cosmic)

Chemical and physical effects after ion bombardment of astrophysical ice analogs

G.A. Baratta, M.E. Palumbo, C. Scirè
INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania

Observations have shown that in dense molecular clouds refractory dust grains are coated by volatile mantles often referred to as icy grain mantles. Furthermore interstellar ices are known to be processed by low-energy cosmic-ray bombardment that induce chemical and structural changes within the ice mantles. About ten molecular species have been clearly identified as constituents of icy grain mantles however it is largely believed that other (more complex) species are also present. Our knowledge on the formation and evolution of icy grain mantles is strongly based on laboratory experiments. The Laboratory for Experimental Astrophysics in Catania (Italy) has a longstanding experience in the study of the chemical and physical effects induced by fast ions (keV) on astrophysical ice analogs. Here we will present some recent experimental results and will discuss their astrophysical relevance.