Astrochemistry and Astrophotonics for an Antarctic Observatory

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of Antarctica's unique environment combined with emerging astrophotonics technologies to enable advanced, miniaturized astronomical instruments for studying the interstellar medium across a broad wavelength range.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of integrating astrophotonics with Antarctic observatories to enhance observational capabilities and instrument miniaturization.

Findings

Antarctica offers unique conditions for long-duration, broad-wavelength observations.

Astrophotonics can enable miniaturized, winterizable instruments for Antarctic astronomy.

Advanced filters can significantly reduce infrared background noise.

Abstract

Due to its location and climate, Antarctica offers unique conditions for long-period observations across a broad wavelength regime, where important diagnostic lines for molecules and ions can be found, that are essential to understand the chemical properties of the interstellar medium. In addition to the natural benefits of the site, new technologies, resulting from astrophotonics, may allow miniaturised instruments, that are easier to winterise and advanced filters to further reduce the background in the infrared.