Desorption emission spectroscopy using THZ radiometry (THz DES)

Ice desorption is the main mechanism causing the release of complex molecules from the solid to the gas phase in star forming regions. A Schottky diode millimetre-wave heterodyne radiometer, developed by the Millimetre-Wave Technology Group, RAL Space, UK, has been used for laboratory-based analysis of interstellar ice analogues. The sensitivity and stability of the instrument has been characterised to determine its suitability for use with a future unique desorption facility under development at the Open University, UK. We describe our method of radiometer calibration and the results obtained, and provide example emission spectra acquired by using the radiometer with a gas cell.