Sub-millimeter Spectroscopy of Astrophysically Interesting Metal-Containing Molecules

With the advent of SOFIA and Herschel, new spectral windows will be opened for spectroscopy in the sub- millimeter region. To conduct science in this band, laboratory measurements must be carried out to provide accurate transition frequencies for molecular identification and physical interpretation. We are presently con- ducting such measurements using gas-phase submm direct absorption techniques. Of particular interest are simple molecules containing iron-peak elements, including carbides, and metal hydride ions (MH+), both of which possess favorable transitions at submm wavelengths.