Laboratory Astrophysics: high resolution spectroscopy of astrophysically important atoms for astrophysics applications.

恒星的光谱通常非常复杂：周期表中的所有元素都可能有贡献，因为分子或原子在不止一个电离阶段中，几条谱线的混合是规则而不是例外。地面和空间望远镜上的新的高分辨率光谱仪给出了令人兴奋的恒星和行星大气的光谱，但是对于解释天体物理光谱至关重要的实验室原子数据（原子能级，波长等）往往太不准确和不完整。在许多情况下，实验室中原子光谱的知识还需要大量的改进。空间和大气物理组的光谱实验室有一台傅里叶变换光谱仪，它是独一无二的-保持着同类仪器的短波长记录，并且具有非常高的分辨率和广泛的光谱范围，是研究可见光到紫外光谱范围内天体物理学重要原子和离子的理想选择。一旦在实验室中记录了原子光谱，就会对光谱进行分析，以前所未有的准确度在广泛的光谱范围（红外线到紫外线）内产生新的原子参数。我们在新的原子数据的应用方面进行国际合作。研究目标：本项目将利用高分辨率光谱学研究天体物理学上重要的原子光谱。将仔细挑选与天体物理学应用最相关和最迫切需要的光谱进行研究。该项目的初始阶段是实验性的，在帝国理工学院研究紫外和可见光谱区域的光谱，也可能在我们经常合作的国家标准与技术研究所（美国）研究红外光谱。然后学生将对光谱进行全面分析。我们预计在这一分析阶段与理论原子物理小组合作。新的原子数据将通过与天文学家的合作应用于具体的天体物理光谱分析。学生将获得：在世界一流实验室使用独特仪器的实验专业知识;在国外实验室进行实验的经验;了解原子物理学;光谱理论分析技能学习计算和分析技能;在新原子数据应用于特定天体物理光谱分析方面的工作经验

The spectra of stars are usually extremely complex: all the elements of the periodic table may contribute, as molecules or atoms in more than one stage of ionisation, blends of several lines are the rule rather than the exception. New high resolution spectrographs on ground-and space based telescopes give exciting spectra of stars and planetary atmospheres, but the laboratory atomic data (atomic energy levels, wavelengths etc) that are vital for the interpretation of the astrophysical spectra, are often too inaccurate and incomplete. Vast improvements are needed in many cases in knowledge of atomic spectra in the laboratory. The Space & Atmospheric Physics group's Spectroscopy Laboratory has a Fourier Transform spectrometer which is unique - holding the short wavelength record for an instrument of its kind, and with its very high resolution and broad spectral range is ideal for studies of astrophysically important atoms and ions in the visible to ultra violet spectral range. Once an atomic spectrum has been recorded in the laboratory, an analysis of the spectrum is carried out to yield new atomic parameters over a broad spectral range (infra red through to ultraviolet) at unprecedented accuracy. We collaborate internationally on applications of the new atomic data. Research Objectives: The project will investigate astrophysically important atomic spectra using high resolution spectroscopy. Spectra to be studied will be carefully selected to be most relevant and urgently needed for astrophysics applications. The initial stage of the project is experimental in nature with spectra being studied in the UV and visible spectral region at Imperial College, and possibly in the infra-red possibly at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA) with whom we regularly collaborate. The student will then undertake a full analysis of the spectra. We anticipate collaboration with theoretical atomic physics groups during this analysis stage. The new atomic data will then be applied in particular astrophysical spectral analyses through collaboration with astronomers. The student will gain: experimental expertise in a world-class laboratory, using unique instruments; experience undertaking experiments in laboratories abroad; learn about atomic physics; skills in theoretical analysis of spectra learning computational and analytical skills; experience working on applications of the new atomic data to analyses of particular astrophysical spectra