Research in our laboratory
We are interested in the study of ion-molecule reactions and ion-electron recombination at conditions relevant to interstellar chemistry (diffuse interstellar clouds, atmospheres of gas giants etc.). These processes are crucial for a better understanding of the chemical evolution of the Universe. Several experiments were designed and built in our laboratory for these studies.
22PT experiment
22 Pole Trap – Selected ions are confined in the radio-frequency trap and cooled by neutral gas. We may study reactions of the ions and neutral molecules at temperatures from 10 K to 300 K.
CRDS experiment
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy – In the stationary afterglow plasma we may monitor a decay of an ion number density by laser absorption spectroscopy. We study a recombination of ions with electrons in thermalized plasma at temperatures from 77 K to 340 K.
FALP experiment
Flowing Afterglow with Langmuir Probe – In the flowing afterglow plasma, we may measure a decay of an electron number density by Langmuir probe. We may study a recombination of ions with electrons in thermalized plasma at temperatures from 40 K to 340 K.
AISA experiment
Advanced Integrated Stationary Afterglow – Suspended. A stationary afterglow combined large discharge chamber, Langmuir probe and mass spectrometer. Typical diffuse time in the experiment was ~100 ms at temperatures from 130 K to 240 K.