A high resolution M band study of W3 IRS5

Abstract

This thesis presents an infrared spectral analysis of the high mass protostar W3 IRS5. A high resolution M band spectrum of W3 IRS5 was obtained from the CFHT with the Fourier Transform Spectrometer. The spectrum was measured using a Fortran program developed by the author. Four gas phase absorption components were detected in [superscript 12]CO with outflow velocities up to 38 km s[superscript-1]. Analysis of this absorption indicates gas temperatures up to 400 K with a temperature gradient possibly present. Source velocity [superscript 13]CO absorption which was also detected, demonstrates that two separate gas clouds are present along the line of sight to W3 IRS. Warm, neutral [superscript 13]CO gas has a temperature of 50 K whereas 300 AU from W3 IRS5, hot, 470 K gas is detected. Absorption due to solid phase [superscript 12]CO is interpreted as originating in the warm, neutral gas some distance from the source. A rotationally supported accretion disk, which reprocesses starlight, may explain the hot gas close to the source.