Production of Oxidants by Ion Bombardment of Icy Moons in the Outer Solar System

Our groups in Brazil, France and Italy have been active, among others in the world, in performing experiments on physical-chemical effects induced by fast ions colliding with solids (frozen gases, carbonaceous and organic materials, silicates, etc.) of astrophysical interest. The used ions span a very large range of energies, from a few keV to hundreds MeV. Here we present a summary of the results obtained so far on the formation of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide and ozone) after ion irradiation of frozen water, carbon dioxide and their mixtures. Irradiation of pure water ice produces hydrogen peroxide whatever is the used ion and at different temperatures. Irradiation of carbon dioxide and water frozen mixtures result in the production of molecules among which hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The experimental results are discussed in the light of the relevance they have to support the presence of an energy source for biosphere on Europa and other icy moons in the outer Solar System.

Deposition of Diamond-Like Carbon Films by Excimer Lasers Using Frozen Source Gases

ABSTRACTWe deposited diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, using frozen acetylene and acetone as the target of laser ablation. The frozen gases were dissociated by an ArF laser and a KrF laser. The DLC films were deposited on quartz substrates below 300°C. We measured the Raman spectra to identify the deposited films as DLC. The films showed the broad Raman peak at 1540 cm-1. The number of particles mixed into the deposits was controlled by laser power densities. By using the ArF laser for frozen acetylene we could reduce the hydrogen concentration in the films, which showed a high degree of dissociation of the source gas. The oxygen content was kept at the same level in the films deposited from frozen acetone as from frozen acetylene. The present results suggested the importance of energetic and charged species ejected from the frozen gas target.