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Modeling the unidentified infrared emission with combinations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsThe infrared emission band spectrum associated with many different interstellar objects can be modeled successfully by using combined laboratory spectra of neutral and positively charged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These model spectra, shown here for the first time, alleviate the principal spectroscopic criticisms previously leveled at the PAH hypothesis and demonstrate that mixtures of free molecular PAHs can indeed account for the overall appearance of the widespread interstellar infrared emission spectrum. Furthermore, these models give us insight into the structures, stabilities, abundances, and ionization balance of the interstellar PAH population. These, in turn, reflect conditions in the emission zones and shed light on the microscopic processes involved in the carbon nucleation, growth, and evolution in circumstellar shells and the interstellar medium.
Document ID
20040089041
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Allamandola, L. J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field CA United States)
Hudgins, D. M.
Sandford, S. A.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: The Astrophysical journal
Volume: 511
Issue: 2 Pt 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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