The Molecular Spectroscopy, Collisional processes and Applications (SMPCA) group of the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne is the world leader in the analysis of high-resolution spectra of methane (¹²CH₄, ¹³CH₄ and CH₃D) and other highly symmetric molecules (CF₄, SF₆) of atmospheric and planetary interest. It produces and hosts databases of line parameters for these species (positions, intensities, lineshape parameters). Methane is a major greenhouse pollutant on Earth and an important constituent of many astrophysical bodies (giant planets, Titan, dwarf planets, brown dwarfs, methane stars, exoplanets). Modelling methane absorption over a wide spectral range is essential to retrieve methane vertical profiles, minor species abundances and surface properties. It is thus of primary importance for the study of these objects to constitute a highly reliable and consistent database of line parameters extending for the far infrared to the visible region. SF₆ and CF₄ are very strong greenhouse gases whose concentration in the atmosphere is increasing. The Kyoto protocol recommends the reduction of their emissions. The monitoring of their concentration requires improved spectroscopic models.

For more information visit this website: http://icb.u-bourgogne.fr