Exploring the Intersellar Spectrum at Sub-millimeter Wavelengths (Astronomy)

目前，亚毫米波段是为数不多的 电磁频谱还有待详细研究， 天文学 探测器和望远镜的最新发展 技术现在使亚毫米观测成为可能。 之一 最新的科学仪器， 在这些波长的测量是SMT（亚毫米望远镜）， 亚利桑那大学 利用这架新望远镜， 天体化学的研究将集中在两个方面， 主要研究领域：1）双原子荧光检测 星际气体，包括AIH、CaH、Ch+、MgH+和SiH，以及2） 猎户座和其他未探测天体的光谱线调查 600-700、450和350 μ m的亚毫米窗口。 测量这些 这对冲击化学、尘埃颗粒 分子云的组成和电子密度。 的 调查应该产生新的未识别的线，以及约束 所观察到的源的化学和物理参数。 的 天文测量将由一个实验室支持， 光谱学的努力，以测量静止频率，并建立 不明光谱特征的载体。 主办机构的互动活动包括： 研究生和本科生课程，进行 跨部门研讨会系列和指导研究生。 本项目进一步促进了VPW计划的目标，即（1） 为妇女提供机会， 工程和科学的学科由NSF支持， (2)鼓励女性从事科学和工程职业 通过提高女性科学家和工程师的知名度， 受雇于工业、政府和学术机构。 通过 鼓励妇女参与科学，这是一个宝贵的 投资于国家未来的科学活力。

At present, the sub-millimeter band is one of the few regions of the electromagnetic spectrum yet to be studied in detail by astronomy. Recent developments in detector and telescope technology are now making sub-mm observations feasible. One of the newest instruments that is becoming available for scientific measurements at these wavelengths is the SMT (Sub-mm Telescope) at the University of Arizona. Using this new telescope, observational studies in astrochemistry will be conducted that will focus on two main areas of research: 1) detection of diatomic hydrides in interstellar gas, including AIH, CaH, Ch+, MgH+ and SiH, and 2) spectral line surveys of Orion and other objects in the unexplored sub-mm windows at 600-700, 450, and 350 um. Measurements of these hydrides has important implications for shock chemistry, dust grain composition and electron densities in molecular clouds. The surveys should yield new unidentified lines, as well as constrain chemical and physical parameters of the sources observed. The astronomical measurements will be supported by a laboratory spectroscopy effort to measure rest frequencies and establish the carriers of unidentified spectral features. Interactive activities at the host institution include: teaching a graduate and undergraduate course, conducting an interdepartmental seminar series, and mentoring graduate students. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.