NASA EPSCoR: R3 SMD RFA-023: High-Resolution, High-Precision Laboratory Spectroscopy of Organic Astrochemical Molecules

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

2024 NASA KY EPSCoR R3 Research Proposal Jinjun Liu Summary RFA-023, “High-Resolution, High-Precision Laboratory Spectroscopy of Organic Astrochemical Molecules”, SMD Research Focus Area: Astrophysics Technology Development. Research Identifier: RFA-023. Points of Contact (POCs): Dr. Hashima Hasan: [email protected]; Dr. Mario Perez: [email protected]. Mission Directorate (MD): Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Organic molecules are key building blocks of the Universe, and the understanding of their evolution from the molecular cloud to planetary systems is essential to constrain the emergence of life on Earth and possibly Earth-like planets. The objective of this proposal is to support current and future NASA space missions, including the James-Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), by generating a unique high-accuracy (sub-kHz) spectral database of carbon-bearing molecules for the identification and analysis of astronomical spectra. In the proposed research project, we will conduct high-resolution, high-precision laboratory spectroscopy measurements and spectroscopic prediction of target molecules, including small organic molecules of astrochemical interest, prebiotic complex organic molecules, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and CN-tagged PAHs. Utilizing a novel continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator (CW-OPO) as the light source, infrared (IR, λ=2.2-4.0 µm) spectra of transitions to the CH- and CN-stretch fundamental levels of the target molecules will be recorded. The Doppler-broadened spectra can be used to identify molecular carriers of spectral features observed by the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Fine Guidance Sensor/Near InfraRed Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS) onboard JWST. Furthermore, kHz spectral resolution and sub- kHz frequency accuracy can be achieved using a unique Doppler-free saturated absorption spectroscopy apparatus with the pump and signal beams of the OPO frequency-stabilized to optical frequency combs (OFCs). High-precision molecular constants extracted in simulating and fitting the rotationally resolved Doppler-free IR spectra can be used to predict pure rotational spectra of organic astrochemical molecules to guide their future detection in the millimeter-wave region with ground-based telescopes, including ALMA and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). The expected experimental and computational results will play a pivotal role in detecting the target molecules in the interstellar medium (ISM) and exoplanetary systems, in understanding the formation of stars and planets, and in the search for extraterrestrial life. Using the proposed research project as a platform, the PI and his collaborators will develop a state-wide astronomy and astrophysics (A&A) education program to enhance the participation of members from underrepresented groups in STEM. 1
StatusActive
Effective start/end date9/1/248/31/25

Funding

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration: $100,000.00

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