9457445 Walker One of the major goals of both ground and space based observational astronomy is the identification and study of protostellar objects. A study of protostars will provide insight into the initial conditions required for star formation, protostellar evolution, and the formation of solar systems like our own. Over the next five years the following research, which will involve the participation of students, will be carried out: 1) conduct a vigorous observational search for protostellar objects using telescopes operating at submillimeter wavelengths, 2) write the radiative transfer computer codes needed to interpret the complex spectroscopic line profiles obtained by observing candidate objects, and 3) construct the low-noise submillimeter wavelength heterodyne receivers needed to successfully detect infall and other motions associated with material around protostars. Two graduate students will be working on thesis projects related to these goals. The research program at the University of Arizona has an established laboratory for the development of state-of-the-art submillimeter wavelength receiver systems. Receivers for the Arizona/Max-Planck-Institute fur Radioastronomie (MPifR) submillimeter telescope operating in the 1300, 870, 610, 450, and 350 micron wavelength atmospheric windows will be constructed. A dual-channel (610/370 micron wavelength), low-noise receiver will be constructed for use on a 1.7m submillimeter wavelength telescope at the South Pole. The receiver will be used to observe the distribution of atomic carbon in the Milky Way and other galaxies visible from the South Pole. There will be participation in the analysis and interpretation of the huge astronomical data base that will be generated by making the observations. New technology will be used to construct a high performance, heterodyne array instrument which will consist of a 5 by 5 array of receivers. This instrument will increase the scientific throughput of the telescope by at least a factor of 25. Projects which were previously unthinkable due to limited telescope time will become tractable. %%% This award is to recognize an outstanding young faculty member in science and engineering. This award will enhance his career by providing flexible support for research and educational activities. Cooperation with industry and institutions that support research and education is encouraged.
