Studies in Laboratory Spectroscopy and Radio Astronomy: From Simple Hydrides to Complex Organic Molecules

Abstract

There are two main objectives for this thesis. First, laboratory rotational spectra of metal-containing molecules were measured using the millimeter-wave spectrometers of the Ziurys group. Second, radio astronomical observations were performed on a number of the molecules measured in the laboratory, along with several organic species. The laboratory work is essential to the discovery of new molecules in the interstellar medium, and the understanding of the chemical composition of the universe. Identification of these species can only occur after their pure rotational spectra have been measured. Therefore, an investigation of the rotational spectra of several classes of molecules was performed including metal-bearing hydrides, chlorides, carbon-containing species, and molecular ions. The experimental measurements were aided by necessary improvements in the operation of the spectrometers. Many of these species had not been observed by any spectroscopic technique, including CaC, CuCH₃, FeCO⁺ and VCl⁺. Several of these molecules exhibited unusual interactions that complicated the analysis of their spectra, such as VCl, TiCl⁺, VCl⁺, and FeCO⁺. Synthesis of these species required exotic production techniques, including the use of Broida ovens and AC and DC discharges. Astronomical observations of several of the molecules studied in the laboratory were conducted, and upper limits to the abundances obtained. Additional searches for more of the species studied are planned. A region in the Galactic center with a complex chemical composition called Sgr B2(N) was recognized through observations of N₂O. Several organic species were then searched for in this source. The detection of the simple sugar glycolaldehyde was confirmed by observing all of the favorable transitions of this molecule in Sgr B2(N). A standard set of criteria for identifying complex organic molecules was drawn up as a result of this study. This investigation led to an attempt to confirm a larger sugar, dihydroxyacetone. Unfortunately the detection of this species was proven false, and a limit could be placed on the chemical complexity of this source.