Submillimeter wavelength fourier transform spectroscopy of astronomical sources

Abstract

At high, dry observatory sites, the transmission of the atmosphere at near-millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths provides access to frequency "windows" which encompass roughly half a terahertz of bandwidth. Broadband spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier transform spectroscopy, provide an effective means of exploring these vast tracts quickly, being especially useful for studies of wideband source spectra, and broad-line sources. As is outlined here, the former is applicable to studies of the interstellar medium, while the latter is particularly useful for planetary spectroscopy.

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