Searches for primordial spectral lines from the cosmic dark ages

by Carina Persson (Onsala Space Observatory)

Friday 29 May 2009, 10:45 → 12:00 Europe/Stockholm

FA31

Spectral lines from primordial molecules at high redshifts can give valuable information about star and structure formation in the universe. Examples of primordial molecules are H2, H2+, H2D+, HD, HD+, LiH and HeH+. As a first step in our searches, we have used the Odin satellite to perform spectral line surveys at frequencies around 550 GHz. At these frequencies we are especially sensitive to molecular hydrogen from z~20-30 which is the predicted redshifts for the formation of the first stars. No lines were detected. We are now preparing to continue these searches with both the Herschel Space Observatory and at low frequencies around 100 GHz using ground-based facilities. (Host: Erik Zackrisson)