VIZSLA -- Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry

TL;DR

VIZSLA is a versatile, high-vacuum laboratory setup designed for studying astrophysical ices and reactions under simulated space conditions, integrating multiple irradiation sources and advanced analysis tools.

Contribution

The paper introduces VIZSLA, a novel multi-functional laboratory instrument that combines various irradiation and analysis techniques for astrochemical ice research.

Findings

Effective study of astrochemical reactions in para-H2 matrices.

Ability to analyze desorbing molecules via TPD and matrix isolation.

Complementary to existing astrophysical ice experimental setups.

Abstract

In this article a new, multi-functional, high-vacuum astrophysical ice setup, VIZSLA (Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry), is introduced. The instrument allows the investigation of astrophysical processes both in a low-temperature para-H2 matrix and in astrophysical analog ices. In para-H2 matrix the reaction of astrochemical molecules with H atoms and H+ ions can be studied very effectively. For the investigation of astrophysical analog ices the setup is equipped with different irradiation and particle sources: an electron gun, for modeling cosmic rays; an H atom beam source (HABS); a microwave H atom lamp, for generating H Lyman-alpha radiation, and a tunable (213 nm to 2800 nm) laser source. For analysis, an FT-IR (and a UV-Visible) spectrometer and a quadrupole mass analyzer are available. The setup has two cryostats, offering novel features for analysis. Upon the so-called temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) the molecules, desorbing from the first cryostat, can be mixed with Ar and can be deposited onto the substrate of the other cryostat. The well-resolved spectrum of the molecules isolated in an Ar matrix serves a unique opportunity to identify the desorbing products of a processed ice. Some examples are provided to show how the para-H2 matrix experiments and the TPD -- matrix-isolation recondensation experiments can help to understand astrophysically important chemical processes at a low temperature. It is also discussed, how these experiments can complement the studies carried out by similar astrophysical ice setups.