Herschel Space Observatory - Theoretical Research Proposal #1013

Laboratory Spectroscopy and Analysis

Principal Investigator: Brian Drouin   
           Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Co-Investigators:
Herbert Pickett, JPL

Dollars Approved: 213900

Abstract:
The complex spectra of common interstellar organic molecules pose a threat to the
science objective of Herschel's HIFI instrument.  We propose a direct analysis
method for cataloging the major offenders.  This work involves continuing the
spectral measurement program that has begun with our Herschel funded postdoctoral
appointee and then focusing on the application of rapid analysis techniques and
internal-axis Hamiltonian fitting of the measured transitions.  We will produce well
defined, comprehensive, spectral predictions for the JPL catalog, up to 1.2 THz
interpolated, for methyl formate, dimethyl ether, ethyl cyanide and acetaldehyde,
including major isotopomers and relevant excited torsional states.