The Laboratory Astrophysics Programme at Imperial College London

Abstract

Abstract Advancements in ground- and space-based telescopes have resulted in an acute need for and improvement in the breadth and accuracy of the atomic data vital for the analysis of astronomical spectra. Many data, even for astrophysically important elements such as the iron group, have analyses dating back over 50 years, which are no longer suitable for the interpretation of modern, high-resolution astrophysical spectra. The Imperial College Spectroscopy group is addressing this need by measuring new atomic data and improving the accuracy of existing data using Fourier transform spectroscopy from the infrared to the vacuum ultraviolet. Analysis of these high-resolution spectra has led to new and improved atomic data for a wide range of astrophysically important elements. Reductions in uncertainties of transition wavelengths and energy levels are routinely over an order of magnitude and transition probabilities are measured to a few percent of uncertainty. Our work has increased both the quantity and quality of available atomic data. In this paper, we provide an update of our recent investigations and research plans. We also detail the improvements being made to our world-class laboratory to ensure we are able to meet the future data needs of the astrophysical community. Graphical abstract