The Multiband Imaging Photometer for SIRTF (MIPS) is designed to provide very deep imaging and mapping at 24, 70, and 160 microns. In integrations of 2000 seconds, it will reach a 5-sigma detection limits at these wavelengths of 0.2, 0.5, and 8 mJy, respectively (The latter one is limited by confusion noise.) It will also measure low-resolution (R = 15-25) spectral energy distributions between 50 and 100 microns.

The MIPS has three detector arrays: A 128x128 arsenic-doped silicon (Si:As) array, identical to the IRS arrays, at a wavelength of 24 microns and with a 5 arc-minute field; a 32x32 gallium-doped germanium (Ge:Ga) array for 70 microns and a 5 arc-minute field; and a 2x20 Ge:Ga array, mechanically stressed to extend its photoconductive response to 160 microns, and a field of 0.5x5 arc-minutes. On-board calibrators are provided for each array. Additionally, it has a scan mirror to provide mapping with very efficient use of telescope time. 

The three arrays, calibrators, scan mirror, and optics compose the cryogenic part of the MIPS. This assembly is mounted in the SIRTF cold instrument chamber. In addition, the MIPS and the IRS share warm electronics that controls their operation.

Check out this report in pdf format for the latest and greatest (with circles and arrows) electronics and software design.

32x32 Ge:Ga Array

2x20 Stressed Ge:Ga Array

128x128 Si:As Array

Optics

Cryogenic Scan Mirror Mechanism

Warm Electronics and Flight Software

Status