Review: Far-Infrared Instrumentation and Technology Development for the Next Decade

TL;DR

This review discusses the rapid progress and future potential of far-infrared astronomy, emphasizing technological advancements in detectors and platforms that could lead to paradigm-shifting discoveries in astrophysics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming far-infrared observing platforms and outlines technology development pathways for future advancements.

Findings

Far-infrared observations are crucial across many astrophysical fields.

Technological development, especially in detectors, is key to future progress.

Multiple platforms, including ground, sub-orbital, and space, will enable new discoveries.

Abstract

Far-infrared astronomy has advanced rapidly since its inception in the late 1950's, driven by a maturing technology base and an expanding community of researchers. This advancement has shown that observations at far-infrared wavelengths are important in nearly all areas of astrophysics, from the search for habitable planets and the origin of life, to the earliest stages of galaxy assembly in the first few hundred million years of cosmic history. The combination of a still developing portfolio of technologies, particularly in the field of detectors, and a widening ensemble of platforms within which these technologies can be deployed, means that far-infrared astronomy holds the potential for paradigm-shifting advances over the next decade. In this review, we examine current and future far-infrared observing platforms, including ground-based, sub-orbital, and space-based facilities, and discuss the technology development pathways that will enable and enhance these platforms to best address the challenges facing far-infrared astronomy in the 21st century.