Stage de niveau M2, L3 dans l’équipe SYSTEMAE
Carbonaceous matter is exchanged between planetary systems and the interstellar medium during the death and rebirth cycle of stars, and its journey is revealed through unique spectroscopic fingerprints across the electromagnetic spectrum. Yet, many of these spectroscopic features remain elusive. Identifying them holds the key to unveiling interstellar chemical intricacies, constraining extraterrestrial carbon life cycles, and deciphering the initial physico-chemical conditions for the formation of stars and planets that ultimately led to the conditions for life on Earth.
However, obtaining laboratory data under conditions that allow comparison with astronomical observations has proved a major experimental challenge, not to mention the wide range of possible molecular carriers. Carbon cages such as C60, C70, and C60+, known for their high photostability, have been ubiquitously discovered in extraterrestrial environments. The next larger detected molecule possesses only 17 carbon atoms. To bridge this knowledge gap, it is mandatory to obtain gas-phase spectral fingerprints of wisely selected large carbon-rich molecules.
Our instrument integrates state-of-the-art mass and ion mobility spectrometry with advanced laser spectroscopic techniques, resulting in an innovative instrument. The instrument provides spectroscopic signatures ranging from near-infrared to ultraviolet wavelengths for meticulously selected molecular ions, enabling direct comparisons with astronomical data. Collaborations with astronomers already exist, for instance, the recent detection of CH3+ [1] using the James Webb Telescope, and we have a proposal under review for observation time with the Hubble Space Telescope.
The team currently consists of two postdoctoral fellows, one PhD student, and two CNRS researchers, including myself, creating a stimulating and vibrant environment for conducting research.
[1] O. Berné et al., Nature 621, p. 56 (2023)
Techniques/methods in use:
The selected applicant will gain expertise in a range of fields, including vacuum technology, laser optics, electronics, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic techniques. All data acquisition and analysis are conducted using Python, providing the applicant with the opportunity to develop strong programming skills.
This internship has the potential to evolve into a funded Ph.D. thesis project by Agence Spatiale d’Ile de France.
Location: Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay (ISMO), Bât. 520, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay
Contact: Ugo Jacovella