Experimental Study of Radical Reactions on Cold Ice Surfaces Using a Highly Sensitive Surface Analysis Method

Abstract

Radical reactions on the surface of interstellar dust (ice particles) are important for the formation of complex organic molecules in interstellar space. However, detection of radicals on ice surfaces in laboratory experiments is difficult with conventional methods due to sensitivity and other problems. Therefore, we developed a high-sensitivity Cs⁺ ion pickup apparatus. Using this apparatus, we succeeded in obtaining new knowledge on radical reactions on ice surfaces.