Mercer Times

Princeton's Marissa Weichman, an assistant professor of chemistry, is leading a team of researchers in a groundbreaking study to identify new buckyball-like molecules in space. Weichman explained that these molecules play a crucial role in driving the chemistry of planets, stars, and galaxy formation, emphasizing the significance of their research in understanding the origins of life.

Weichman's lab has developed a device to measure the light absorption of fullerenes, geodesic hollow "carbon cages" that are the largest group of molecules identified in space. The team aims to expand on their previous research on C60 fullerenes, commonly known as buckyballs, by targeting larger fullerenes, heterofullerenes, and endofullerenes. Weichman highlighted the unique environment of interstellar space, noting the challenges posed by constant radiation bombardment that fullerenes are able to withstand.

The team is working on a next-generation instrument to obtain long-wave infrared absorption spectra of fullerenes. Weichman expressed the importance of using spectroscopy to detect specific molecules in space and to compare their results with data from space-based observatories. Graduate student Negar Baradaran's design of a cryochamber has enabled the team to cool samples to temperatures similar to outer space, enhancing their ability to resolve the spectra of fullerenes.

Weichman acknowledged the complexity of studying these molecules and the necessity of providing high-quality reference data to aid astronomers in their research. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation and the Dean for Research Innovation Fund, aims to advance our understanding of astrophysical molecular complexity through precision spectroscopy of fullerenes.

In conclusion, Weichman and her team are on the brink of a significant breakthrough in astrochemistry and spectroscopy, with the potential to unravel the mysteries of complex space molecules and further enhance our knowledge of the universe.