Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 March 2011
I give an overview of the recent scientific results based on observations of PAH emissionfrom circumstellar disks around young stars. The stellar radiation field plays a key rolein the excitation and destruction of the PAH molecules in the disk. The detection rate ofPAH emission in disks is optimal for stars of spectral type A. Around stars of similartemperature,the disk structure determines the PAH emission strength: disks with a flaredgeometry produce stronger PAH emission than flattened disks. The spectral properties ofthe emission features,indicative of the chemistry of the emitting hydrocarbons,isclosely linked to the central star radiation field. The main PAH features shift to redderwavelengths with decreasing stellar effective temperature. This trend has been interpretedas an indication for a higher aliphatic/aromatic ratio of the hydrocarbon mixture aroundcool stars with respect to hot stars. An alternative explanation may be a more significantcontribution to the infrared emission of very small grains around cooler stars.