Abstract
Accurate atomic parameters, such as transition probabilities, wavelengths, and energy levels, are indispensable for the analysis of stellar spectra and the obtainment of chemical abundances. However, the quantity and quality of the existing data in many cases lie far from the current needs of astronomers, creating an acute need for laboratory measurements of matching accuracy and completeness to exploit the full potential of the very expensively acquired astrophysical spectra. The Fourier Transform Spectrometer at Imperial College London works in the vacuum ultraviolet-visible region with a resolution of 2,000,000 at 200 nm. We can acquire calibrated spectra of neutral, singly, and doubly ionized species. We collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Lund to extend our measurements into the infrared region. The aim of this review is to explain the current capabilities of our experiment in an understandable way to bring the astronomy community closer to the field of laboratory astrophysics and encourage further dialogue between our laboratory and all those astronomers who need accurate atomic data. This exchange of ideas will help us to focus our efforts on the most urgently needed data.
Highlights
The Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) Laboratory at Imperial College London has been working on the measurement of atomic and molecular parameters for the last 30 years
A remarkable growth in the capabilities of ground- and space-based instrumentation has pushed the field of astronomy to a point where very accurate atomic data is needed to exploit the immense capability of current Galactic Surveys
The lack of accurate wavelengths, energy levels, and transition probabilities for many of the most common elements found in stellar spectra and the poor quality of existing data call for a collective effort to take place
Summary
The Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) Laboratory at Imperial College London has been working on the measurement of atomic and molecular parameters for the last 30 years. Galaxies 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW parameters (wavelengths, energy levels, transition probabilities, hyperfine and isotope structure constants)The foraims all those data users (especially astronomers) areunderlying not familiar the field,ofand to of this contribution are to address the mainwho ideas the with measurement explain the capabilities of our laboratory. Very detailed and clear descriptions of the need for atomic and spectroscopy technique [1,2], data needed [3,4], the latest results in the field, and projects undertaken molecular data within the field of astronomy can be found in Allende Prieto (2016) [7] and Barklem by the main groups within it [5,6]. [5]. and the recent review of atomic data for wavelengths and energy levels by Nave et al (2017) [5]
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