HIgh Frequency Instrument (HFI)

The High Frequency Instrument (HFI) is a specialized tool used in space telescopes, such as the Planck satellite, to detect very high-energy signals from the universe. It observes the sky in high-frequency electromagnetic waves, allowing scientists to study cosmic phenomena like the Cosmic Microwave Background—the afterglow of the Big Bang. By measuring these faint signals with high precision, the HFI helps improve our understanding of the universe's origins, composition, and evolution. Its advanced detectors are designed to operate in the harsh environment of space, capturing detailed data that ground-based instruments cannot access.