Research Laboratory for Astrochemistry UrFU
Stars and planets form from interstellar matter containing various chemical compounds. To date, about three hundred ions and molecules have been detected in space, with new ones being discovered every year. Among the detected substances are both simple atomic ions and molecules, as well as complex polyatomic organic compounds, including precursors of amino acids and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In the Laboratory of Astrochemical Research at Ural Federal University (UrFU), we study chemical processes occurring in space. Using our own experimental facilities, we create and analyze analogs of interstellar ices under conditions of low temperatures and ultra-high vacuum. We develop numerical models of the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium and interpret observational data.
In the Laboratory of Astrochemical Research at Ural Federal University (UrFU), we study chemical processes occurring in space. Using our own experimental facilities, we create and analyze analogs of interstellar ices under conditions of low temperatures and ultra-high vacuum. We develop numerical models of the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium and interpret observational data.
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Experiments
The laboratory’s experimental infrastructure is centered on the ISEAge astrochemistry platform, designed to simulate space-like environments through ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero.
Experiments
Modeling
We develop the MONACO code alongside complementary numerical models to study chemistry in star/planet-forming regions, enabling predictions of molecular abundances in interstellar gas.
Modeling
Observations
The main observational targets in our laboratory are regions hosting the initial stages of star formation — specifically, dense cores within molecular clouds.
Head of the Laboratory:
Anton
Vasyunin
Anton
Vasyunin
Graduated from the Faculty of Physics at Ural State University with a degree in Physics, specializing in Astrophysics. Earned a Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) from Heidelberg University (Germany).
Author of dozens of articles in leading astronomy journals, member of multiple international collaborations, and Director of the Research Institute of Physics and Applied Mathematics at the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, UrFU.
Author of dozens of articles in leading astronomy journals, member of multiple international collaborations, and Director of the Research Institute of Physics and Applied Mathematics at the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, UrFU.
Dr. rer. nat. (PhD)
The Research Laboratory of Astrochemical Studies (formerly the Laboratory of Astrochemistry and Extraterrestrial Physics) at the Department of Astronomy, Geodesy, Ecology, and Environmental Monitoring was established in August 2018. The laboratory conducts experimental, theoretical, and observational studies of the chemical evolution of various interstellar medium objects, ranging from diffuse clouds to protoplanetary disks. The laboratory has its own experimental facility equipped with unique ultra-high-vacuum cryogenic setups in Russia for studying interstellar ice analogs. Laboratory researchers have developed codes for numerical modeling of the molecular composition evolution of the interstellar medium, which have gained recognition in the global astrochemical community.
A number of important theoretical results have been obtained, including a scenario for the formation of Earth-like complex organic molecules in cold (10 K) interstellar gas, studies of the influence of stochastic effects on the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium, and research on the uncertainties in astrochemical modeling. Alongside theoretical work, laboratory staff conduct observational studies of the physicochemical properties of star-forming regions using leading global telescopes (IRAM 30-m, NOEMA, ALMA, and others). Research at the laboratory is conducted in close collaboration with both Russian colleagues from universities and institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as foreign scientists.
The high level and relevance of the research conducted at the laboratory are confirmed by its funding appeal: in recent years, the laboratory has won grants from the President of Russia, RFBR and RSF, as well as a project from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to establish a youth laboratory. Along with scientific activities, the laboratory actively participates in the educational process. Laboratory staff teach specialized courses at the Department of Astronomy, Geodesy, Ecology, and Environmental Monitoring, involve students, master’s candidates, and postgraduate students in research work, and supervise course and qualification projects.
A number of important theoretical results have been obtained, including a scenario for the formation of Earth-like complex organic molecules in cold (10 K) interstellar gas, studies of the influence of stochastic effects on the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium, and research on the uncertainties in astrochemical modeling. Alongside theoretical work, laboratory staff conduct observational studies of the physicochemical properties of star-forming regions using leading global telescopes (IRAM 30-m, NOEMA, ALMA, and others). Research at the laboratory is conducted in close collaboration with both Russian colleagues from universities and institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as foreign scientists.
The high level and relevance of the research conducted at the laboratory are confirmed by its funding appeal: in recent years, the laboratory has won grants from the President of Russia, RFBR and RSF, as well as a project from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to establish a youth laboratory. Along with scientific activities, the laboratory actively participates in the educational process. Laboratory staff teach specialized courses at the Department of Astronomy, Geodesy, Ecology, and Environmental Monitoring, involve students, master’s candidates, and postgraduate students in research work, and supervise course and qualification projects.
Research Laboratory for Astrochemistry
Суть большинства экспериментов заключается в получении ИК-спектров, для которых в дальнейшем будут проводиться сравнения со спектрами, полученными с космических аппаратов. Эти данные необходимы для изучения физических и химических процессов, происходящих в лабораторных льдах. Результаты исследований сравниваются с данными, полученными от реальных льдов.
Молекулы депозитируются на охлажденную германиевую подложку параллельно со съемкой спектра: таким образом фиксируются все стадии формирования льда и наблюдаются изменения форм полос поглощения в зависимости от количества молекул на луче зрения ИК-спектрометра. Чистота напыляемых веществ контролируется с помощью квадрупольного масс-спектрометра. Он применяется также для определения давлений, при которых должна проводиться депозиция. Исходя из показаний спектрометров можно определить примерную толщину льда и количество молекул, лежащих на пути пучка инфракрасного света.
Молекулы депозитируются на охлажденную германиевую подложку параллельно со съемкой спектра: таким образом фиксируются все стадии формирования льда и наблюдаются изменения форм полос поглощения в зависимости от количества молекул на луче зрения ИК-спектрометра. Чистота напыляемых веществ контролируется с помощью квадрупольного масс-спектрометра. Он применяется также для определения давлений, при которых должна проводиться депозиция. Исходя из показаний спектрометров можно определить примерную толщину льда и количество молекул, лежащих на пути пучка инфракрасного света.
ИК-спектроскопия пропускания чистых и многокомпонентных льдов
Другим вариантом экспериментов является десорбция с программированием температуры (TPD) — при этом происходит постепенное нагревание подложки и, соответственно, испарение с ее поверхности молекул. В ходе такого исследования становится возможным определение энергии адсорбции и межмолекулярного взаимодействия веществ. Кроме того, в ходе TPD-экспериментов на основе показаний обоих спектрометров могут быть изучены зависимости ИК-спектров от температуры, кинетика химических реакций и фазовых переходов во льдах.
TPD-эксперименты с чистыми и многокомпонентными льдами
48 Kuibysheva St., Yekaterinburg, Russia
Research Laboratory
for Astrochemistry UrFU
for Astrochemistry UrFU