Four bandpass filters:
Band number 1: s = 53 micron R = : 10
Band number 2: s = 88 micron R = : 10
Band number 3: s = 155 micron R = : 6.7
Band number 4: s = 215 micron R = : 5
Each passband is observed separately; time to change passbands is roughly 2 minutes.
Reimaging optics provide match to diffraction limit in each passband (details provided in angular resolution).
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Sensitivity is shown for an extended continuum source, for each of the four filter bandpasses.
The Minimum Detectable Continuum Flux (MDCF) (mJy) necessary for S/N = 4 in 900 seconds is plotted versus wavelength, for each of the four filter passbands. Horizontal error bars indicate the filtersÕ passband FWHM in wavelength.
MDCF scales roughly as (S/N) /Ã t where t = net integration time. This is illustrated in the second graph, showing MDCF for S/N = 4 vs. integration time, for the four filter passbands.
Calibration and setup overhead is roughly 10%.
Atmospheric transmission will affect sensitivity, depending on water vapor overburden.
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Beam size shown is the instrument FWHM size for nominal operating conditions. Note that there are 2.7 pixels per Airy FWHM in each of the four passbands.
Format: 12 x 32 pixel array
2.25" pixal: 58 micron FOV: 27" x 72"
3.5" pixal: 88 micron FOV:42" x 112"
6.0" pixal: 155 micron FOV: 72" x 192"
8.0" pixal: 215 micron FOV: 96" x 256"
SOFIA and all first light focal-plane instruments are now in development. All sensitivity and resolution data are preliminary, and based on anticipated performance of the observatory and the instruments. 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 TEAMS. A POINT OF CONTACT FOR EACH INSTRUMENT IS PROVIDED.
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