Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the diffuse interstellar bands

Abstract

The profiles, widths and positions of the Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIB's) are discussed. It is shown that the carriers of the DIB's are molecular rather than impurities in grains. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's) are attractive candidates for the DIB's, in view of their likely abundance, their extreme stability, and the fact that these molecules, and their corresponding radicals, show visible transitions.