Astrophysics and plasma relevant experimental studies of hydrogen and helium chemistry in high and low temperature ion traps and guides

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stephan Schlemmer
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2017 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324334646

Neutral and ionized hydrogen atoms and molecules play a key role in natural environ-ments such as the early universe, inter- or circumstellar media and in many technological processes, the most complicated one being controlled fusion. In order to model the formation and destruction of hydrogen containing species under different conditions, fundamental information on the relevant elementary processes is needed, especially over a wide range of temperatures and densities. The goal of this proposal is to continue and deepen the cooperation between our groups in Germany and Serbia. Using the cryogenic ion traps available in Köln, interesting results already have been obtained including proton transfer from internally hot H3+ to He at collision energies of a few K and complex infrared spectra of He-H3+, a system of fundamental importance. Because H3+ is not only important for astrochemistry but also for hydrogen plasmas, our low temperature activities must be complemented with ex-periments in the eV range. For this the experiences of Prof. Igor Savic and the contribu-tions of his group at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia will be essential. The experi-mental part of this proposal consists of the completion of a guided ion beam instrument using the resources and know how available in Köln and to transfer it to Serbia in spring 2017. In the center of the scientific aims of this proposal are studies of H3+ + He collisions as a function of the internal and translational energy. Future experiments will also include other ions (e.g. hydrocarbons) at collision energies or temperatures, relevant for fusion reactors and stellar outflows. Our low temperature activities will be continued in the frame of the DFG core facility 'Cologne Center for Terahertz Spectroscopy'.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Serbia
• International Co-Applicant: Dr. Igor Savic
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Dieter Gerlich (†)