An automated analysis tool for the IR absorption spectra of interstellar ices

The icy mantles of interstellar grains are developed by the freeze-out of interstellar molecules and atoms onto grain surfaces. The ice molecules become more complex by surface chemistry induced directly by high energy photons or by the thermal energy diffused over heated grain surface. Therefore, the ice composition is an important tracer of physical conditions where the ices form. Ices have been studied via their absorption features against continuum sources, such as young stellar objects or evolved background stars, in infrared wavelengths. The Spitzer IRS was the most sensitive spectrometer for the observations of infrared ice absorption features. We has been developing an automated analysis tool for the Spitzer IRS spectra, especially for the 15 ㎛ CO₂ bending mode. The 15 ㎛ CO₂ absorption feature is very useful for the study of accretion process in star formation since its spectral shape varies with thermal condition of the dust grains. Eventually, this tool will cover the whole range of the Spitzer IRS spectrum (5~20 ㎛).