Spectral Resolution of SOFIA Instruments

The graph above shows the nine "first-light" SOFIA instruments plotted on the axes of spectral resolution (/) and observing wavelength. Looking along the x-axis, it is apparent that the observatory will offer continuous wavelength coverage from the optical to the submillimeter; from 0.35 - 655 µm. The instruments shown in the lower part of the plot operating at low spectral resolution, R ‹ 10³, are Infrared cameras that take advantage of SOFIA's large mirror (providing high spatial resolution), little atmospheric obscuration, and a wide field of view.

Looking at the upper right portion of the plot, we see that the observatory features high resolution far infrared and submillimeter spectrometers. These instruments employ gratings (some cross-dispersion), and heterodynes, and will produce background-limited and diffraction-limited spectral line maps that will reveal the astrochemistry of atoms and molecules.

Spectral Resolution vs Wavelengths - Multi-Mission Comparisons: