Title of Presentation or Performance

The Guidance and Detection of Astrochemically Significant Cations in a Vacuum

Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2015

Location

Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-12-2014 11:00 AM

End Date

4-12-2014 12:00 PM

Disciplines

Chemistry

Abstract

Astrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that occur in space. Due to the extremely low pressure and temperature in space, many unique reactions that are impossible on earth can occur in space. The rate of reactions that occur in the interstellar medium (ISM) is very low due to (1) the distance travelled before two molecules collide and (2) the charge of the reactants to trigger a reaction. The focus of the Perera research lab is to explore the possible gas phase reactions between ions and neutral molecules that may occur in the ISM. In order to simulate ISM conditions on earth it is necessary to construct a multi-stage instrument. The first stage of the instrument consists of a supersonic ion source. Between the first and second stage is a skimmer which helps to focus the ions. The second stage of the instrument contains the first set of ion optics, a set of deflector plates, which will condense the ions into a beam. At the end of this stage is a Faraday cup which will detect the ion beam. Using this measurement, we will be able to calculate the ion source capabilities in producing various precursor ions. I have built the circuitry controlling the ion source, designed the mount for the skimmer and the Faraday cup and designed and built the deflector plates.

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Apr 12th, 11:00 AM Apr 12th, 12:00 PM

The Guidance and Detection of Astrochemically Significant Cations in a Vacuum

Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Astrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that occur in space. Due to the extremely low pressure and temperature in space, many unique reactions that are impossible on earth can occur in space. The rate of reactions that occur in the interstellar medium (ISM) is very low due to (1) the distance travelled before two molecules collide and (2) the charge of the reactants to trigger a reaction. The focus of the Perera research lab is to explore the possible gas phase reactions between ions and neutral molecules that may occur in the ISM. In order to simulate ISM conditions on earth it is necessary to construct a multi-stage instrument. The first stage of the instrument consists of a supersonic ion source. Between the first and second stage is a skimmer which helps to focus the ions. The second stage of the instrument contains the first set of ion optics, a set of deflector plates, which will condense the ions into a beam. At the end of this stage is a Faraday cup which will detect the ion beam. Using this measurement, we will be able to calculate the ion source capabilities in producing various precursor ions. I have built the circuitry controlling the ion source, designed the mount for the skimmer and the Faraday cup and designed and built the deflector plates.