Molecular Observation in Interstellar Space and Laboratory Spectroscopy of Molecular Ions and Other Exotic Molecules

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

This is a continuing project in the combination astronomical and laboratory studies of the molecular spectroscopy of simple molecular ions. A number of directions will be pursued. 1) Astronomical spectroscopy of H3+ and related molecules will be continued in order to reveal a more complete picture of the chemistry of the diffuse interstellar medium. 2) A new ion spectrometer based on a computer-controlled color center laser will be used for vibration rotation spectroscopy of molecular ions of astrophysical interest such as C3H3+, CH2NH2+, etc. 3) The laboratory spectroscopy will be pushed to shorter wavelength regions to correspond to a change from astronomical observation in dense clouds to diffuse clouds. Overtones of H3+, a benchmark for theoretical studies, will be the first focus of the new measurements. This multi-disciplinary project is supported jointly by the Divisions of Physics, Chemistry, and Astronomical Sciences in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorates.