My research focuses on understanding the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) through the energetic processing of ice mantles under astrophysically relevant conditions. We have developed a state-of-the-art experimental setup that enables the investigation of chemical processes and molecular formation in ices using in situ analytical techniques.
I am also interested in the spectroscopy of ice mantles deposited on dust grain analogues, with the aim of providing laboratory data for comparison with observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. In addition, my research explores the physical and chemical properties of dust grain analogues and how their surface characteristics influence the formation and evolution of complex organic molecules.
Frederik is a chemist interested in the chemistry of ice mantles and their energetic processing under conditions relevant to astrochemistry. His research focuses on understanding how different energy sources drive chemical transformations in icy environments and the formation of complex organic molecules, including amino acids and peptides. He investigates these processes experimentally using a combination of laboratory ice experiments and advanced analytical techniques. He completed his master’s thesis on the formation of amino acids and peptides from ethanolamine ice.
Malin is a master’s student investigating the formation of complex organic molecules in icy environments relevant to astrochemistry. Her research focuses on the formation of sugars from simple molecules such as water and methanol, examining how the presence or absence of ammonia influences these chemical processes.
Michael is a bachelor’s student investigating the interaction of simple molecules with grain surfaces under conditions relevant to astrophysical environments using infrared spectroscopy. He also investigate how grain surfaces influence the trapping and retention of volatile molecules, with the broader goal of understanding their role in the chemistry and evolution of protoplanetary disks.
Yannis is a bachelor’s student and works on the development and characterization of dust grain analogues for laboratory astrophysics studies. His research focuses on producing carbonaceous and silicate grain analogues using laser ablation of solid targets under vacuum conditions. He characterizes the resulting materials and prepares relevant samples for further experimental studies, providing well-defined grain analogues for investigations of processes occurring in astrophysical environments.