Report from the Workshop on Molecular Spectroscopy in the Era of Far-Infrared Astronomy

TL;DR

This workshop report highlights the current state and future needs of molecular spectroscopy in far-infrared astronomy, emphasizing new laboratory techniques, analysis tools, and collaborative efforts to support astrophysical observations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances and outlines prioritized development needs for laboratory spectroscopy supporting far-IR astronomical research.

Findings

Development of rapid, broadband, high-resolution spectroscopic techniques is top priority.

Need for collaborative development of versatile analysis tools for molecular spectra.

Advocates for increased theoretical, computational, and modeling efforts in the field.

Abstract

A group of 72 members of the astrochemistry and spectroscopy communities assembled at Emory University in October, 2012, to discuss the state-of-the art in molecular laboratory spectroscopic techniques used to study molecules of astrophysical interest, and highlight recent successes in laboratory efforts that complement new astronomical observations. The format of the meeting facilitated detailed discussion of the needs for collecting and interpreting molecular spectroscopic information to support observational astrophysics in the era of Far-IR astronomy. We present the findings and recommendations from this workshop in this report. The participants in this workshop identified the development of new laboratory capabilities that offer rapid, broadband, high-resolution, high-sensitivity measurements of molecular spectra in the frequency ranges that overlap with new observational facilities as the top priority for far-infrared laboratory astrophysics initiatives over the next 5-10 years. An additional major need is the development of suitable analysis tools for broadband molecular spectra from both the laboratory and space; though such efforts should be conducted within the framework of larger collaborative funding structures, rather than through single-PI efforts, so as to provide tools that are generally applicable rather than highly specialized. Additional efforts in theory, computation, and modeling that support these goals are also important for advancing this field.