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SAFIRE
Name of Instrument: SAFIRE -Submillimeter And Far InfraRed Experiment
Instrument type: Imaging Fabry-Perot
Bolometer array spectrometer
145-655 microns R=100 to 1,900

Principal Investigator/
Contact :

Dr. S. H. Moseley
dominic.benford@gsfc.nasa.gov
Institute: NASA -GSFC
Greenbelt, MD 20771

Scientific/Technical Abstract:

SAFIRE is a versatile imaging Fabry-Perot spectrograph covering the spectral region from 145 to 655 µm with spectral resolving powers ranging from 5 to 104. The instrument uses two 8 x 32 arrays of bolometers to provide background limited performance for critical science applications. A chain of fixed and tunable fabry-perot filters provide a wide choice of order selection and fixed spectral resolution. The nominal field of view is about 2.7 x 5.3 arc-minutes. This may be effected by the spectral resolution desired and consequent configuration of the instrument.

SAFIRE can determine the energy balance and physical conditions in many important phases of the interstellar and circumstellar environment by imaging these regions in lines arising from molecular, atomic and ionized components, along with the dust emission. These observations are critical to achieving a clear understanding of the process which result in the formation of stars, and which control star formation on a galactic scale in starburst galaxies. SAFIRE can also examine active galactic nuclei, cooling flows in galaxy clusters, circumstellar debris disks, and the chemistry of the outer planets.

SAFIRE 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.

Further References:

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go to insturment team web site

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