Herschel Space Observatory - Theoretical Research Proposal #1009

Far-infrared spectroscopy of mineral particles

Principal Investigator: Robert Peale   
           Institution: Univ Central Florida

Co-Investigators:
George Harlow, American Museum of Natural History
Denton Ebel, American Museum of Natural History
Carey Lisse, Johns Hopkins U Applied Physics Lab
Charles Hibbitts, Johns Hopkins U Applied Physics Lab

Dollars Approved: 222741

Abstract:
This Laboratory Astrophysics project will collect far-infrared mass absorption
coefficient spectra of minerals that have been identified in planetary nebulae,
supernova remnants, circumstellar disks, comets, Stardust, stratospheric IDP
samples, the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and meteorites, or which are expected
theoretically from condensation models.  Mineral samples for standards -- obtained
largely from the mineral, rock, and meteorite collections at the American Museum of
Natural History (AMNH) -- will be characterized by standard methods to verify
composition and crystal structure and ground to uniform micron particle sizes. 
These powdered samples will be uniformly dispersed in polyethylene pellets for
measurement of their far-infrared transmittance spectra in the 57-210 micron
wavelength range of the Herschel Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS).
 Simultaneously, spectra covering the broader 2 -1000 micron range will be collected
for comparison to other data bases.  The effect of crystalline damage on the spectra
will be studied on samples that have undergone modification via ion bombardment. 
Spectra of water ice and ice-mineral mixtures also will be collected.  All data will
be disseminated via the Planetary Data System (PDS) and all samples and associated
data will be curated at the AMNH and available for loan. The proposed work will
directly enhance the scientific return from the ESA Herschel mission, which will
include as targets supernova remnants, Interstellar Medium (ISM) material,
moderately processed cold crystalline dust around young and mature stars, cometary
dust, zodiacal light, late type AGB stars, "O or C stars", and early galaxies.