Understanding Deuterium Fractionation (B02)

• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2011 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184018867

Project B2 deals with the laboratory investigation of small molecular cations of astrochemical interest using cryogenic ion trapping machines. One focus is the infrared and (sub)mm-wave spectroscopy of deuterated cations. This spectroscopic knowledge is important for the interpretation of the deuterium fractionation observed during and after the initial cold phases of star formation. Another focus is the spectroscopic and collisional investigation of small fundamental cations, in particular those containing only hydrogen and helium. One prominent target is the H2He+ ion, which may have played a fundamental role in the early universe.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 956: Conditions and Impact of Star Formation - Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Laboratory Research
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Dr. Oskar Asvany