Dr. Brian J. Drouin
Research Scientist
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Title: THz spectroscopy at JPL
Abstract: The Far-Infrared region hosts molecular spectra of most gas phase species,
but this region is not readily accessed due to technical limitations as well as
atmospheric absorption. For astronomical and atmospheric applications the best
vantage point for far-infrared spectroscopic instrumentation is a space-platform. The
molecular spectroscopy group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has supported NASAs
goals for orbital earth and space science through systematic application of cutting edge
technologies and laboratory techniques to tackle open science questions that directly
affect the interpretation of mission data. THz technology developed at JPL for the
Herschel space observatory covers the longest wavelengths of the Far-infrared (> 100
microns). We have integrated JPLs THz technology to several molecular spectroscopic
techniques including: ion spectroscopy; broadband spectroscopy; collisional
excitation/de-excitation measurements and Lamb-dip spectroscopy. These techniques
have been utilized to obtain detailed understandings of both simple (e.g. oxygen,
hydrogen chloride) spectra, as well as complex spectra (e.g. methanol, methyl
formate). The research focuses on detailed improvements of molecular spectra, such
that limitations in our understanding of the molecular physics do not limit NASAs
understanding of remotely sensed objects.