Gas phase studies of astrophysically relevant biomolecules

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Friedrich Huisken
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 18243068

The objectives of the present project are laboratory studies on astrophysically relevant biomolecules under conditions similar to those encountered in interstellar space. Accurate and comprehensive laboratory data on molecular energy levels and transitions are needed to explain the astronomical observations and support the astrophysical models. The spectrum of a molecule, proposed by astronomical models, must be accurately measured in the laboratory in the entire spectral range from UV to IR wavelengths so that the results can be used by observers to search for these fingerprints in interstellar spectra. Gas-phase studies of complex organic molecules important for astrobiology will be performed, combining supersonic jets and sensitive laser spectroscopy techniques. The electronic and vibrational spectra of relevant molecules are to be obtained at low temperature and under collision-free conditions. For a complete spectroscopic study of such complex molecules, spectral quantum chemical calculations will also be performed and compared with the experimental data.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants