What is stochastic heating of very small grains?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "stochastic heating of very small grains" in the interstellar medium. Participants explore the implications of vibrational temperature for grains at molecular dimensions and the significance of temperature as a fluctuating quantity. The conversation highlights the need for clarity regarding the specific materials and heating mechanisms involved. Understanding the time-average of fluctuating temperatures is essential for analyzing thermal equilibrium in these small grains.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of vibrational temperature in molecular physics
  • Understanding of stochastic processes in thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the interstellar medium and its components
  • Basic principles of thermal equilibrium and fluctuation theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of stochastic heating on molecular grains in astrophysics
  • Study vibrational temperature and its implications in small particle physics
  • Explore thermal equilibrium concepts in fluctuating systems
  • Investigate the composition and heating mechanisms of interstellar grains
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers studying the thermal dynamics of small particles in the interstellar medium will benefit from this discussion.

sonutabitha
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I recently came across a paper where there was a term ''stochastic heating of very small grains". I went through some papers on this area but I am still confused about it. What is the vibrational temperature associated with very small grains? Does temperature has got a meaning if it's a highly fluctuating quantity?
 
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I'd imagine the time-average of a fluctuating temperature might be meaningful if you were considering processes that were slow compared to the fluctuations. Conversely if the fluctuations left individual particles in (time-dependent) thermal equilibrium I'd expect one could analyse the resulting situation.

A bit more context would help. Grains of what, where? Being heated by what? Your comment about vibrational temperature suggests the grains are close to molecular dimensions. Is that the case?
 
I am talking about the very small grains in the interstellar medium.
 

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