Herschel Space Observatory - Theoretical Research Proposal #1021

Protoplanetary Disk Diagnostics Observable With Herschel

Principal Investigator: Alfred Glassgold
           Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Co-Investigators:
Joan Najita, NOAO

Dollars Approved: 55906

Abstract:
We propose to adapt our thermal-chemical model of X-ray irradiated protoplanetary
disks to the gaseous diagnostics that can be observed with Herschel. This model has
been applied successfully to ground-based and Spitzer observations at near and
mid-infrared wavelenghs that arise mainly at small and intermediate radii. We will
treat the far-infrared diagnostics of the gas in protoplanetary disks for a larger
range of radial distances wih an enhanced program that includes an extended chemical
network, UV as well as X-ray irradiation and a Monte-Carlo radiative transfer code.
In additon to interpreting  Herschel observations, we will seek insights into the
relative importance of UV and X-rays, disk heating mechanisms, gas-grain chemistry
and mixing, and the disspation of gas with time.