Séminaire

Vendredi 28 Avril 2023 à 11h00.

Optical frequency comb absorption spectroscopy for laboratory astrophysics

''Laboratory data is necessary to interpret observations from Earth and space telescopes, and to validate the chemical network models of the interstellar medium and planetary atmospheres. In particular, spectroscopic data about the many molecular species involved in the various extraterrestrial environments (ranging from the interstellar medium to exoplanetary atmospheres) is required to interpret observations. After a large majority of new detections achieved thanks to rotational spectroscopy in the millimeter wave range, focus has recently shifted toward infrared observations with the launch of the James Webb Space telescope. We develop precision infrared spectrometers operating in supersonic flows to record rotationally resolved spectra of cold (or in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions) molecules. To achieve this, we rely on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy based on optical frequency combs sources operating in supersonic jets. I will present these approaches and what they allow, as well as the current status of the system development in Rennes. ''