Electron- and photon-induced chemistry on surfaces: A meandering path through our solar system

It is well known that electronic excitation of surfaces and interfaces leads to chemical modification and transformation. These “transformations” can be brought about by photon-, electron- or ion-impact and can occur in radiation environments within the interstellar media, near star forming regions, within plasmas or in radioactive containment facilities. Since the chemical modification processes are inherently non-equilibrium, the chemical products are often rather exotic and not easily produced under normal thermal conditions. This talk will emphasize some of our group’s recent experimental and theoretical developments in the study of low-energy (5-100 eV) electron- and (vacuum) ultraviolet photon-interactions with complicated surfaces and interfaces. A specific attempt will be made to demonstrate the importance of this work in planetary science, materials science, and biophysics.