RUI: Low Temperature Collisional Studies of Interstellar Species

Allegheny College, Meadville PA

Investigators

Abstract

This RUI research project focuses on the investigation of low temperature collisions and energy transfer of three molecules of astrophysical interest: ammonia (NH3), methanol (CH3OH), and carbonyl sulfide (OCS). The studies will investigate energy transfer among low-lying rotation-inversion levels of ammonia and will be performed using He and H2 (normal and para) as collision partners. Low temperature (5-40 K) pressure broadening studies of CH3OH and OCS are also planned. The results of these studies should provide a useful test of recently calculated OCS-He and OCS-H2 potentials. The broader impact of the research will involve the training of undergraduate students who will participate through summer positions and Senior Projects. Results of the measurements will also be important to the understanding of the dynamics of ammonia collisions in cold interstellar molecular clouds and planetary atmospheres.