J. Mathias Weber
Unambiguous Detection of Biosignatures by Action Spectroscopy
Molecules that are a close precursor to living systems or that are most likely a result of biological activity can tell us whether there could be life on other worlds in our own solar system. Therefore, the capability to accurately identify and quantify such biomarkers, which may be found in the presence of a complex mixture of molecules and their isomers, is crucial for future life detection missions, e.g. to Europa or Titan.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.