TELIS: a novel three-channel cryogenic heterodyne receiver for stratospheric research

Abstract

TELIS (TErahertz and sub millimeter LImb Sounder) is a three-channel balloon-borne cryogenic heterodyne receiver on which a number of novel features are tested. It flies together with the MIPAS-B2 instrument and the combination can yield the most complete map of atmospheric species ever measured from one platform. The three channels are selected at 500 GHz, tunable between 500 and 650 GHz and at 1.8 THz, and employ a SIS mixer, a Superconducting Integrated Receiver and a HEBM. The first flight is foreseen in 2006.