Preparation of fine particles of astrophysical interest by gas evaporation techniques

Fine particles of various chemical substances—carbon, iron, iron oxide and silica—which are expected to exist in interstellar space are prepared in argon gas. The size, shape, and crystal structure of the powder particles are studied by electron microscopy and electron diffraction, and may have some bearing on models of comets and of the solar nebula.The largest size we have obtained is about 0.1 μm and the smallest about 40Å. Generally the size becomes smaller for lower temperature and also for lower pressure. This tendency is discussed in connection with nucleation theories. Except for iron and iron oxide the powder particles have no crystal structure.