[RUS]
SB LPI
Samara Branch of P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Samara Branch of LPI
Structure
The Laboratory of Coherent Optics
The Laboratory for Laser-Induced Processes
The Laboratory of Physicochemical Kinetics
Theoretical Sector Group
Center for Laboratory Astrophisics
Seminar 2021
Publications
Contacts
Center for Laboratory Astrophysics (CLAP)

The Center for Laboratory Astrophysics (CLAP) was established under Megagrant No. 075-15-2021-597 "Origin and Evolution of Organic Molecules in Our Galaxy" to investigate the mechanisms of formation of complex organic compounds on ice-coated nanoparticles in molecular clouds and star-forming regions. The megagrant was carried out from 2021 to 2023 under the supervision of Professor Ralf I. Kaiser from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (USA). The project coordinator at the Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI) was V.N. Azyazov, Director of the LPI Samara Branch.

Since 2024, the CLA has been operating as a structural subdivision of the LPI Samara Branch, conducting research as part of the state assignment. The Acting Head of the Center is Ivan O. Antonov, Ph.D., Leading Research Scientist.

The components of the Interdisciplinary Center for Laboratory Astrophysics, their scientific tasks RO1-RO5 and the connections between them
Research Directions:
  • Investigation of growth mechanisms of organic compounds under interstellar ice conditions using a next-generation facility for studying cryogenic surface processes (CSP).
  • Theoretical study of growth mechanisms of complex organic molecules in cosmic ices.
  • Refinement of the concept of organic compound evolution in space.
  • Theoretical investigation of growth and oxidation mechanisms of organic compounds in carbon-rich high-temperature circumstellar environments.

Key Achievements:

  • A next-generation experimental facility for studying cryogenic surface processes has been commissioned. Preliminary results have been obtained for radiation-induced physicochemical processes in low-temperature methane ices.
  • Mechanisms have been proposed for the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in low-temperature interstellar ices, as well as for prebiotic chelating agents under early Earth conditions.
  • A novel radical–radical mechanism for PAH growth, Propargyl Addition–BenzAnnulation (PABA), has been developed, which may compete with the HACA and HAVA mechanisms.

Present and Past Collaborations:

  • Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
  • Florida International University, USA