On the Origin of Infrared Plateau Features in Proto-Planetary Nebulae

Abstract

The emission profiles of the 8 and 12 μm plateau features are derived from the Infrared Space Observatory spectra of proto-planetary nebulae. We suggest that these plateau features are primarily the result of alkane and alkene side groups on very large aromatic molecules and small carbonaceous particles. The relationship between the narrow aromatic hydrocarbon features and the 8 and 12 μm plateau features is discussed in a model of circumstellar chemical evolution where photochemical processing transforms the more aliphatic material in proto-planetary nebulae into more aromatic matter in planetary nebulae. Based on observations made with the Infrared Space Observatory, an ESA project with instruments funded by the ESA member states (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK) with the participation of ISAS and NASA.