HIFI instrument

The HIFI instrument (Heterodyne Instrument for Far-Infrared) is built at Netherland Institute for Space Research (SRON) by a consortium led by Th. de Graauw, SRON, Groningen, Hollande. It should realise very high resolution spectroscopy. It is composed of:

Seven heterodyne receivers with an angular resolution of 11" to 45".

five SIS junction mixers, double polarity, operating in the 480 to 1250 GHz band
two HEB mixers, simple polarity, operating in the 1410 to 1910 GHz band


An Acousto-Optical Spectrometer (AOS).

Path followed by the signal through HIFI

The french participation to HIFI instrument is done through three laboratories: the LERMA/IRAM, the CESR and the Bordeaux Observatory.

The LERMA/IRAM contribution to the development of HIFI instrument consists in the realisation of the band 1 mixer.

The CESR contribution to the development of HIFI instrument consists in the realisation of the HRS spectrometer (Hight Resolution Spectrometer). Its main functions for the high spectral resolution analysis are:

Conditiones the signal in frequancy and power (realised by the IF module),
Digitalizes the signal and processes the autocorrelation function (realized by the ACS Module),
Data Transmission to the SL (DC/DC Converter).

The Bordeaux Observatory contribution to the development of HIFI instrument consists in the realisation of the IF Module, element of the HRS.