Pavithraa Sundararajan

Ph.D. (Molecular Science/Astrochemistry)

Astrochemistry/Interstellar Chemistry, Spectroscopy, PAH Chemistry in space.

I am an experimental Astrochemist with nine years of international research experience, currently a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Leiden Observatory. Astronomy generally makes us ponder on stars, planets and galaxies, etc., but I am curious about the molecules building up these celestial bodies. Experimental Astrochemistry is a vast and interdisciplinary field incorporating several techniques in a laboratory to simulate the conditions of outer space or planetary surfaces. Spectroscopy is the prime tool used to probe the fingerprints of astro-relevant molecules. This study is fundamental to interpret the observational data sent by space telescopes. Over the years, I have gained ability to perform three key experimental techniques that are equally important to understand astro-relevant molecules:

Low temperature ice-phase experiments
Matrix isolation technique in solid p-H2
Gas Phase dissociation experiments

I also have hands-on experience in several spectroscopic techniques including:

Infrared spectroscopy
Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Spectroscopy
Quadrupole Ion Trap, Time-of-Flight Mass spectroscopy, etc.

I realized the importance of larger molecules in space that could contribute to the Aromatic Infrared Bands (AIBs) which is a long-standing problem in Astronomy. My present research is involves spectroscopy and spectrometry of large hydrocarbon molecules called the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are considered to be the emitters of AIB. Apart from research, I also take interest and initiative in several outreach activities. My hobbies include pencil sketching, doodling, traveling, cycling, etc.