The polarized microwave sky provides a wealth of information regarding many scientific questions. B modes from inflation and galactic thermal dust emission and grain alignment are presently the most discussed questions, but with finer spectral coverage, likely also necessary for precise component separation, a large number of other questions can be addressed. Examples of new science that could result from enhanced spectral resolution include probes of early energy release leading to mu- and y-distortions, decaying and annihilating particles, spectral relics from dissipation of acoustic modes on small scales, energy release from small-scale magnetic fields.
The purpose of this workshop is to focus on this new science highlighting the instrumental requirements for each new element of science and also to explore instrumental aspects of high sensitivity polarization measurements using Fourier transform spectroscopy (as used in FIRAS and proposed for the PIXIE mission).
The primary objective of this targeted workshop is to sharpen our understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of FTS (Fourier Transform Spectroscopy) for a space mission dedicated to exploring the polarized microwave sky at high sensitivity.
