Wavelength range: 42 - 210 µm
Two bands: Short (S): 42 - 110 µm
Long (L): 110 - 210 µm
The spectral resolution plotted corresponds to the FWHM of the instrument line spread function for a monochromatic line from a point source.
Wavelength changes require about 2 minutes.
Wavelength setting accuracy corresponds to 20 km/s
Error in velocity determination 20 km/s for unresolved lines
Free spectral range : 1500 - 3000 km/s in both bands
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MDLF is the Òminimum detectable line fluxÓ, 4s in 15 minutes (900s).
MDLF is plotted for a monochromatic line from a point source, for each of the two spectral bands, S and L.
MDLF scales roughly as (S/N) /Ã t where t = net integration time Minimum detectable continuum flux
MDCF (4s, 15 minutes):
~ 0.9 -1.6 Jy for S,
~ 0.8 - 2.1 Jy for L
Calibration and setup overhead is very roughly 20%.
Line measurements in bright continuum sources may take longer to reach the same (S/N).
Atmospheric transmission may preclude measurements at some wavelengths and reduce sensitivity at others. Further details for particular wavelengths of interest are available from the SI team; see contact information on the title page.
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Beam size shown is a predicted FWHM image size for nominal operating conditions, calculated as the root sum square (RSS) of the pixel size and the diffraction-limited telescope image size.
Format: 5 x 5 spatial and 16 spectral channels deep in l direction S: 6Ó x 6Ó pixel, 30Ó x 30Ó FOV L: 12Ó x 12Ó pixel, 60Ó x 60Ó FOV
Final images from FIFI-LS with angular resolution equal to the SOFIA telescope diffraction limit should be possible with use of appropriate observing techniques and post-flight analysis.
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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