Desorption of large molecules from grains in dense interstellar clouds

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (25) References (39) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Desorption of Large Molecules from Grains in Dense Interstellar Clouds Johnson, R. E. ; Pirronello, V. ; Sundqvist, B. ; Donn, B. Abstract Results are reported from laboratory studies tracing the nondestructive desorption of whole leucine (131 amu) molecules from surfaces induced by fast, heavy-ion bombardment. It is proposed that heavy ions in the cosmic-ray flux may induce desorption of large molecules from the surfaces of grains in molecular interstellar space. Cosmic-ray protons and UV light produced by cosmic rays can process grain mantles in interstellar 'molecular clouds'. This processing creates bonding among small molecules on grains which can produce larger molecules. The less frequent heavy nuclei bombardment can cause the evaporation of small molecules. It is shown that the heavy nuclei can also impulsively eject intact much larger molecular species. It is pointed out that since molecules with masses of about 100 amu are known to exist in molecular clouds and are either formed on or eventually condense onto the grain surfaces, heavy cosmic-ray nuclei may cause desorption of such molecules from the grain surfaces. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1991 DOI: 10.1086/186157 Bibcode: 1991ApJ...379L..75J Keywords: Cosmic Rays; Heavy Nuclei; Interstellar Matter; Molecular Clouds; Desorption; Granular Materials; Molecular Structure; Astrophysics; COSMIC RAYS: GENERAL; INTERSTELLAR: GRAINS; INTERSTELLAR: MOLECULES full text sources ADS |