Speaker: Andrzej Bartnik (MUT-IOE)
Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026, 16:00 CET

Many experiments relevant to various processes in Space were devoted to support interpretation of astronomic observations. The experiments concern formation of astrophysical jets, photoionized plasmas in accretion disks around compact stars, supernovae explosions, matter formed inside giant planets, formation of interstellar dust, molecular processes in interstellar ices, formation of tholins etc. It is so called laboratory astrophysics or astrochemistry.

Some of these experiments require using of high power discharge or laser systems, for some experiments, especially concerning laboratory astrochemistry, synchrotrons, VUV lamps or small scale discharge plasma systems were employed. Some experiments can be, however, performed using laser produced plasma (LPP) soft X-ray (SXR) or extreme ultraviolet (EUV) sources. Some attempts were performed using sources developed in Institute of Optoelectronics, MUT.

The sources utilize gas puff targets and nanosecond, Nd:YAG laser systems. The most intense emission in the SXR or EUV range can be obtained from Xe plasmas, however, in some cases other gases or aerosols are employed. The sources are equipped with the corresponding EUV/SXR optical systems. Some experiments are performed in an ambient gas, under low pressure. Both kind of systems, with and without optics, can be employed for investigation of molecular processes relevant to SXR/EUV induced processes in interstellar clouds, atmospheres of planets or comets. Initial experiments were performed, a series of further experiments is planned.