Interstellar Molecules Laboratory Spectroscopy and Synthesis (IMOLABS)

We are entering a golden age for astrochemistry, with the simultaneous increase in detector sensitivity, band pass and telescope collecting area. The analysis of astronomical spectra, and the detection of new interstellar species is nevertheless hampered by the lack of knowledge molecular spectroscopy, both for stable species and for ions and radicals. Another issue is the lack of understanding of the chemical formation pathways to interstellar molecules, leading to a low efficiency in the search for new species. This interdisciplinary project aims at improving both points by developing jointly : i) new techniques for more sensitive molecular spectroscopy, ii) new production techniques for possible interstellar molecules, iii) new observation and modeling programs. The team gathers well known experts in astrophysics, microwave instrumentation, molecular spectroscopy and synthesis who will share their knowledge.