Scientific/Technical Abstract:

FORCAST is a facility-class, mid/far-infrared camera for SOFIA. The instrument is a two-channel camera with selectable filters for continuum imaging in the 4-8, 16-25 µm and/or 25-40 µm regions. Simultaneous imaging can be performed in the two-channels. Using the latest 256x256 Si:As and Si:Sb blocked-impurity-band detector array technology to provide high-sensitivity wide-field imaging, FORCAST will sample at 0.75 arcsec/pixel giving a 3.2 arcmin x 3.2 arcmin instantaneous field-of-view. Diffraction limited imaging is obtained for > 15 µm. The current plan has filters centered at roughly 19, 21, 24.4, 32, 34.2, 36.8, 37.6 and 38.4 µm with ~ 2 µm. Community input is requested for selection of additional filters, particularly in the 4-8 µm regime. Large objects can be easily imaged and for small objects, chopping can be performed on the array to increase duty-cycle (sensitivity). FORCAST will provide the highest spatial resolutions possible with SOFIA. The FORCAST instrument uses mature, low-risk, state-of-the-art technology ensuring high reliability.

The science projects planned by the investigator team include multicolor imaging of the galactic center, Vega-like dust clouds, and star formation in normal spiral galaxies and active galaxies. This instrument will be of great value to the SOFIA community for imaging protostellar environments, young star clusters, molecular clouds, and galaxies. Multicolor information allows determination of dust temperatures, dust optical depths (and dust masses), dust composition, location of ionizing sources, and the spatial morphology of star forming regions.

FORCAST Performance Summary – Instrument sensitivity and resolution summary is provided to permit estimating feasibility of scientific investigations.

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All sensitivity and resolution data are preliminary, and based on anticipated performance of the observatory and the instrument.  Actual performance of the SOFIA telescope and instrument combination will be established after flight operations begin.  Telescope performance is expected to be upgraded during the first two years, and instrument performance may be upgraded, or additional modes or capabilities may be added.

Performance estimates given here are based on data supplied by the instrument team. Further details and updates may be obtained from the instrument team via the contact information given above.

Exposure Time Calculator – Link to SOFIA Instrument Time Estimator (SITE)

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