Thesis Topic: The Chemistry between Disks and Exoplanets
Thesis Supervisor: Anna Miotello
Abstract
How did the multitude of observed exo-planets in all their diversity form? This PhD project aims at tackling this central question by constraining the bulk physical and chemical properties of protoplanetary disks, the cradle of planets. The resulting chemical fingerprints of disks will be compared with chemically characterized exoplanets. The PhD student will employ a combination of sub-mm observations, and chemical-physical modelling to approach this problem. My upcoming co-led ALMA Large Program, together with longstanding experience with physical-chemical models, will be key for the success of the project.
We aim at answering the following specific questions:
- What are the typical chemical-physical condition of disks in which exoplanets are born?
- Are the C/O ratio and metallicity measured in disks compatible with exoplanet atmospheric composition in the traditional framework of planet-formation theories?
A proper comparison between the structure and composition of protoplanetary disks and the characteristics and composition of known exoplanets is mandatory. This is crucial in this particular point in time when chemical characterization of exoplanet atmospheres is allowed by new generation facilities such as JWST and 30-m telescopes such as the ELT, and the chemical structure of a large sample of disks will be revealed by ALMA.