Powerful new technology in molecular science will greatly enhance the appreciation of natural wonders such as comets and aurora, and contribute to the protection and management of the environment, according to a report received from London, reports UNB,

The Atomic and Molecular Physics Department al Reading University in southern England is working with University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and Daresbury Laboratory in north-west Eng-,land in a 1.4 million- pounds sterling project to develdp a high-intensity, high resolution soft X-ray beamline called Phoenix.

The upper atmosphere plays a vital role in the transfer of heat around earth so a knowledge of its behaviour, particularly with respect to pollutants, is vital to the long-term protection of the environment.

The London Press Service report said that Phoenix will form an important mechanism by providing high-intensity radiation in trie extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray regions of the spectrum which will be valuable in many areas of research.

In addition, it could be crucial to the development of devices such as quantum dot lasers and single electron memory elements which will form the keystone of future generations of information technology.

The group's on energy transport mechanisms in molecules, together with fundamental studies of multi-electron processes in atoms, will also lead to a better understanding of upper atmospheric and planetary science by enabling scientists to develop improved theories for such processes.