Scientific and Technical Abstract:

HAWC (High-resolution Airborne Wideband Camera) is a far-infrared camera designed to cover the 40-300 µm spectral range at the highest possible angular resolution. Its purpose is to provide a sensitive, versatile, and reliable facility imaging capability for SOFIA's user community during its first operational years.

HAWC will utilize a 12x32 pixel array of bolometer detectors constructed using the silicon pop-up detector (SPUD) technology developed at Goddard Space Flight Center. The array will be cooled by an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator and operated at a temperature of 0.2 K.

Many infrared sources are dusty. Absorption of starlight typically heats the dust grains to temperatures of tens or hundreds of degrees Kelvin where they radiate most of their energy in the far infrared, at wavelengths of 40-300 µm which are inaccessible from the ground. Imagery in this spectral range with the highest possible spatial resolution is the natural starting point from which to develop an understanding of source energetics and morphology. It is also a key to understanding the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium.

HAWC 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)

Further References:

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