Adenine’s band strength at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract

Infrared observations of the interstellar medium have unveiled the existence of numerous solid-phase molecules. The recent detection of uracil within the (162173) Ryugu asteroid has opened new prospects for the discovery of additional compounds, including nitrogenous bases, in the near future. To facilitate the comprehension, identification, and observation of these substances within astrophysical environments, precise measurements of their infrared band strengths are crucial. In this study, we present the outcomes of laboratory experiments conducted to investigate the behavior of adenine at various temperatures. The measured band strength from 3600 to 1970 cm−1 was determined to be 3.21⋅10−16 cm molecule−1. Additionally, as the temperature decreased, its behavior exhibited a well-fitted second-degree polynomial function. Notably, the experiments indicated no permanent phase changes or hysteresis during the cool-down and warm-up processes, further elucidating the thermal properties of adenine.