Radiolysis and photolysis of icy satellite surfaces: Experiments and theory

The transport and exchange of material between bodies in the outer solar system is often facilitated by their exposure to ionizing radiation. With this in mind we review the effects of energetic ions, electrons and UV photons on materials present in the outer solar system. We consider radiolysis, photolysis, and sputtering of low temperature solids. Radiolysis and photolysis are the chemistry that follows the bond breaking and ionization produced by incident radiation, producing, e.g., O₂ and H₂ from irradiated H₂O ice. Sputtering is the ejection of molecules by incident radiation. Both processes are particularly effective on ices in the outer solar system. Materials reviewed include H₂O ice, sulfur-containing compounds (such as SO₂ and S₈), carbon-containing compounds (such as CH₄), nitrogen-containing compounds (such as NH₃ and N₂), and mixtures of those compounds. We also review the effects of ionizing radiation on a mixture of N₂ and CH₄ gases, as appropriate to Titan's upper atmosphere, where radiolysis and photolysis produce complex organic compounds (tholins).