Thermal Limit Spectroscopy as a Goal for X-ray Astronomy
Abstract
The R~300-1000 grating spectra from XMM-Newton and Chandra are a radical advance, allowing spectroscopic physics techniques to be applied to X-ray astronomy, revolutionizing a wide range of research. Ten years on these spectra will be routine, and higher resolution will be needed. I propose ``Thermal Limit Spectroscopy'' as the next natural goal for X-ray spectroscopy. This will open up new physics: plasma physics, velocity widths, Doppler shifts, line profiles, and absorption lines in photoionized plasmas. A resolution of R=3000-10,000 is required, and the technology is within reach.
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