Mid-infrared high resolution spectrometer for SOFIA

Mid-infrared spectral range between 20 µm and 120 µm has a number of diagnostic atomic and molecular lines that can probe physical conditions in a variety of objects. In particular, protoplanetary disk clouds, YSO, planetary atmospheres would benefit from a high resolution spectroscopy in that wavelength range. Through its high spectral resolution the instrument would allow to obtain both physical and dynamical information on the clouds. Comprehensive observations of the various phases of gas in the protoplanetary disks with the instrument would allow to advance the knowledge of the processes leading to the formation of planetary systems. Such an instrument with high spectral resolving power and sensitivity would be a powerful addition to the current SOFIA instruments.