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
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 9/1/24 → 8/31/25 |
Funding
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration: $100,000.00
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