Ion irradiation of CH4-containing icy mixtures

Authors :: Baratta, G.A.
Domingo, M.
Ferini, G.
Leto, G.
Palumbo, M.E.
Satorre, M.A.
Strazzulla, G.
Source :: Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section B. Aug2003, Vol. 209 Issue 1-4, p283. 5p.
Publication Year :: 2003
Abstract: We have studied by infrared absorption spectroscopy the effects of ion irradiation with 60 keV Ar<f>2+</f> ions on pure methane (CH4) ice at 12 K and mixtures with water (H2O) and nitrogen (N2). Ion irradiation, among other effects, causes the rupture of original molecular bonds and the formation of molecular species not present in the initial ice. Here we present the experimental results and discuss their astrophysical relevance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]