Molecular spectroscopy
AMP laboratory measurements of exotic carbon-chain molecules aim to
understand the role of the chemical bond and organic chemistry in
nature on a cosmic scale, and to determine the origin of the
interstellar diffuse bands, the outstanding unsolved problem in
astronomical spectroscopy.
Over the last ten years the continuing discovery and increasingly
accurate characterization of brown dwarfs and extrasolar giant planets
(EGPs) have created a new frontier in stellar and planetary astronomy.
The development of accurate spectral diagnostics and the refinement of
the theoretical models to describe these objects are among the most
important challenges for the future. We are contributing
to both of these goals through a combined theoretical and experimental
program to obtain highly accurate profiles of alkali resonance lines
broadened by collisions with molecular hydrogen and helium.
Project Links
McCarthy group, High-resolution molecular spectroscopy
Precision tests of fundamental physics
The original core activity of the Walsworth Group was the development of precision measurement tools, such as atomic clocks, and the application of these tools to precision tests of fundamental physics. In particular, we have used noble gas and hydrogen masers to perform some of the most sensitive tests to date of Lorentz symmetry for the neutron and proton.
Project Links
Walsworth Group, Precision tests of fundamental physics
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