Mass spectrometry of silica nanoparticles for the study of surfaces of astrochemical interest.
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
Simular las condiciones del medio interestelar (ISM) en un ambiente de laboratorio es relevante para comprender mejor los complejos procesos físicos y químicos que gobiernan la evolución del polvo cósmico. En este contexto, esta tesis detalla el desarrollo y caracterización de un montaje experimental diseñado para simular análogos de granos de polvo, atrapando nanopartículas de sílice (SiO2) en un ambiente de alto vacío. Utilizando una trampa cuadrupolar de iones no destructiva, las nanopartículas fueron capturadas y su carga fue sistemáticamente modificada. Al monitorear las variaciones resultantes en las frecuencias seculares mediante la dispersión de la luz de la partícula, se determinó la razón entre su masa y su carga. Se abordan además desafíos técnicos respecto a la aglomeración de nanopartículas y el método de inyección utilizado. Finalmente, se discuten las perspectivas futuras acerca de cómo lograr el objetivo de detectar y medir la adsorción y desorción de especies gaseosas en la superficie de la nanopartícula.
Simulating interstellar medium (ISM) conditions in a laboratory environment is relevant to better understand the complex physical and chemical processes that govern the evolution of cosmic dust. In this context, this thesis details the development and characterization of an experimental setup designed to simulate dust grain analogues by trapping silica (SiO2) nanoparticles in a high-vacuum environment. Utilizing a non-destructive quadrupole ion trap, nanoparticles were captured and their charge was systematically modified. By monitoring the resulting shifts in secular frequencies through light scattering, the particle’s mass to charge ratio was determined . Technical challenges regarding the clumping of nanoparticles and the injection method used, are addressed. Finally, we discuss about future prospects on how to achieve the objective of detecting and measuring the adsorption and desorption of gas phase species on the surface of the nanoparticle.
Simulating interstellar medium (ISM) conditions in a laboratory environment is relevant to better understand the complex physical and chemical processes that govern the evolution of cosmic dust. In this context, this thesis details the development and characterization of an experimental setup designed to simulate dust grain analogues by trapping silica (SiO2) nanoparticles in a high-vacuum environment. Utilizing a non-destructive quadrupole ion trap, nanoparticles were captured and their charge was systematically modified. By monitoring the resulting shifts in secular frequencies through light scattering, the particle’s mass to charge ratio was determined . Technical challenges regarding the clumping of nanoparticles and the injection method used, are addressed. Finally, we discuss about future prospects on how to achieve the objective of detecting and measuring the adsorption and desorption of gas phase species on the surface of the nanoparticle.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al grado de Magíster en Ciencias con mención en Física.
Keywords
Astronomía, Química, Espectrometría de masas, Polvo cósmico