Mass-independant Isotopic Fractionations in cosmochemistry – MIFs
The isotopic anomalies present in the Solar system, i.e. variations at variance with predictions from the laws of isotopic fractionation, are considered due to nucleosynthetic processes in the galaxy. However, it was shown 40 years ago that a chemical reaction, the formation of ozone from molecular oxygen could yield large "isotopic anomalies" via mass-independent isotopic fractionations (MIF). Our recent experiments show the same effect, for the first time, for a refractory element, titanium. The goal of this project is to explore MIFs for key elements (Ti, Mo, Cr, Ni, O, …) by coupling theory and experiments in plasma physics to simulate the protosolar nebula, with analyses and models in cosmochemistry and astrophysics. If MIFs are found ubiquitous in such plasmas, this will open a new window to study the early Solar system.
Project coordination
Institut de physique du globe de Paris (Autre établissement d’enseignement supérieur)
The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.
Partnership
IPGP Institut de physique du globe de Paris
IMPMC Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie
LSPM Laboratoire des Sciences des Procédés et des Matériaux
LCT Laboratoire de Chimie Théorique
Help of the ANR 440,686 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project:
November 2020
- 48 Months
