Missing Ions in Laboratory and Space - Chemistry at the coldest places of the universe
Prof. Dr. Stephan Schlemmer (I. Physikalisches Institut, Universität zu Köln, Germany)

Ions play a key role in the chemical evolution of our universe. The process of star and planet formation is tightly connected to the presence and abundance of these species as I will discuss in my presentation. Molecular spectra are diagnostic tools for various astrophysical environments and their temporal evolution. However, laboratory spectra of most ions relevant to astrophysics are not available. Moreover, predicted spectra from ab-initio theory are not nearly accurate enough to guide astrophysical searches. Therefore, laboratory spectra of molecular ions are needed. I will report on progress towards recording high-resolution spectra from the microwave to visible range using our unique and innovative methods of action spectroscopy in ion traps and how in some cases our traditional picture of molecular structure is challenged.

References
B.A. McGuire, O. Asvany, S. Brünken, and S. Schlemmer, Nature Review Physics (2020) 2, 402–410.