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Activation of extended red emission photoluminescence in carbon solids by exposure to atomic hydrogen and UV radiationWe report on new laboratory results which relate directly to the observation of strongly enhanced extended red emission (ERE) by interstellar dust in H2 photodissociation zones. The ERE has been attributed to photoluminescence by hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC). We are demonstrating that exposure to thermally dissociated atomic hydrogen will restore the photoluminescence efficiency of previously annealed HAC. Also, pure amorphous carbon (AC), not previously photoluminescent, can be induced to photoluminesce by exposure to atomic hydrogen. This conversion of AC into HAC is greatly enhanced by the presence of UV irradiation. The presence of dense, warm atomic hydrogen and a strong UV radiation field are characteristic environmental properties of H2 dissociation zones. Our results lend strong support to the HAC photoluminescence explanation for ERE.
Document ID
19930072501
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Furton, Douglas G.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Witt, Adolf N.
(Toledo Univ. OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
September 20, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 415
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
93A56498
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2794
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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