Potassium Bromide Glass: Simulating Exoplanet Settings for Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract Potassium bromide (KBr) glasses are widely used in infrared spectroscopy for their optical transparency and ability to produce high-fidelity molecular spectra. They are used in astronomical studies to characterize molecular vibrations; however, their use in simulating exoplanetary conditions in laboratory settings remains underexplored. This Research Note emphasizes KBr glasses as a practical tool to study refractory molecules including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under controlled chemical, pressure, and temperature conditions. These simulations can yield high-resolution reference spectra relevant to exoplanetary environments, supporting the interpretation of IR data from space telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope, and bridging laboratory spectroscopy to astrophysical observation.