Aims. In this paper the calibration and in-orbit performance of the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) is described.Methods. The calibration of HIFI is based on a combination of ground and in-flight tests. Dedicated ground tests to determine those instrument parameters that can only be measured accurately using controlled laboratory stimuli were carried out in the instrument level test (ILT) campaign. Special in-flight tests during the commissioning phase (CoP) and performance verification (PV) allowed the determination of the remaining instrument parameters. The various instrument observing modes, as specified in astronomical observation templates (AOTs), were validated in parallel during PV by observing selected celestial sources.Results. The initial calibration and in-orbit performance of HIFI has been established. A first estimate of the calibration budget is given. The overall in-flight instrument performance agrees with the original specification. Issues remain at only a few frequencies.

We investigate the physics and chemistry of the gas and dust in dense photon-dominated regions (PDRs), along with their dependence on the illuminating UV field. Using Herschel-HIFI observations, we study the gas energetics in NGC 7023 in relation to the morphology of this nebula. NGC 7023 is the prototype of a PDR illuminated by a B2V star and is one of the key targets of Herschel. Our approach consists in determining the energetics of the region by combining the information carried by the mid-IR spectrum (extinction by classical grains, emission from very small dust particles) with that of the main gas coolant lines. In this letter, we discuss more specifically the intensity and line profile of the 158 micron (1901 GHz) [CII] line measured by HIFI and provide information on the emitting gas. We show that both the [CII] emission and the mid-IR emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) arise from the regions located in the transition zone between atomic and molecular gas. Using the Meudon PDR code and a simple transfer model, we find good agreement between the calculated and observed [CII] intensities. HIFI observations of NGC 7023 provide the opportunity to constrain the energetics at the surface of PDRs. Future work will include analysis of the main coolant line [OI] and use of a new PDR model that includes PAH-related species.

Context. Monoceros R2, at a distance of 830 pc, is the only ultracompact Hii region (UC Hii) where the photon-dominated region (PDR) between the ionized gas and the molecular cloud can be resolved with Herschel. Therefore, it is an excellent laboratory to study the chemistry in extreme PDRs (G0 > 105 in units of Habing field, n > 106 cm-3). Aims. Our ultimate goal is to probe the physical and chemical conditions in the PDR around the UC Hii Mon R2. Methods. HIFI observations of the abundant compounds 13CO, C18O, o-H2 18O, HCO+, CS, CH, and NH have been used to derive the physical and chemical conditions in the PDR, in particular the water abundance. The modeling of the lines has been done with the Meudon PDR code and the non-local radiative transfer model described by Cernicharo et al. Results. The 13CO, C18O, o-H18 2 O, HCO+ and CS observations are well described assuming that the emission is coming from a dense (n = 5 x 106 cm-3, N(H2) > 1022 cm-2) layer of molecular gas around the Hii region. Based on our o-H18 2 O observations, we estimate an o-H2O abundance of similar to 2 x 10-8. This is the average ortho-water abundance in the PDR. Additional H18 2 O and/ or water lines are required to derive the water abundance profile. A lower density envelope (n similar to 105 cm-3, N(H2) = 2-5 x 1022 cm-2) is responsible for the absorption in the NH 11. 02 line. The emission of the CH ground state triplet is coming from both regions with a complex and self-absorbed profile in the main component. The radiative transfer modeling shows that the 13CO and HCO+ line profiles are consistent with an expansion of the molecular gas with a velocity law, ve = 0.5 x (r/ Rout)-1 km s-1, although the expansion velocity is poorly constrained by the observations presented here. Conclusions. We determine an ortho-water abundance of similar to 2 x 10-8 in Mon R2. Because shocks are unimportant in this region and our estimate is based on H18 2 O observations that avoids opacity problems, this is probably the most accurate estimate of the water abundance in PDRs thus far.

We present observations of the rotational ortho-water ground transition, the two lowest para-water transitions, and the ground transition of ionised ortho-water in the archetypal starburst galaxy M 82, performed with the HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory. These observations are the first detections of the para-H2O(111–000) (1113 GHz) and ortho-H2O(111–000) (1115 GHz) lines in an extragalactic source. All three water lines show different spectral line profiles, underlining the need for high spectral resolution in interpreting line formation processes. Using the line shape of the para-H2O(111–000) and ortho-H2O(111–000) absorption profile in conjunction with high spatial resolution CO observations, we show that the (ionised) water absorption arises from a ∼2000 pc2 region within the HIFI beam located about ∼50 pc east of the dynamical centre of the galaxy. This region does not coincide with any of the known line emission peaks that have been identified in other molecular tracers, with the exception of HCO. Our data suggest that water and ionised water within this region have high (up to 75%) area-covering factors of the underlying continuum. This indicates that water is not associated with small, dense cores within the ISM of M 82 but arises from a more widespread diffuse gas

We present observations of the rotational ortho-water ground transition, the two lowest para-water transitions, and the ground transition of ionised ortho-water in the archetypal starburst galaxy M82, performed with the HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory. These observations are the first detections of the para-H2O(1(11)-0(00)) (1113 GHz) and ortho-H2O+(1(11)-0(00)) (1115 GHz) lines in an extragalactic source. All three water lines show different spectral line profiles, underlining the need for high spectral resolution in interpreting line formation processes. Using the line shape of the para-H2O(1(11)-0(00)) and ortho-H2O+(1(11)-0(00)) absorption profile in conjunction with high spatial resolution CO observations, we show that the (ionised) water absorption arises from a similar to 2000 pc(2) region within the HIFI beam located about similar to 50 pc east of the dynamical centre of the galaxy. This region does not coincide with any of the known line emission peaks that have been identified in other molecular tracers, with the exception of HCO. Our data suggest that water and ionised water within this region have high (up to 75%) area-covering factors of the underlying continuum. This indicates that water is not associated with small, dense cores within the ISM of M82 but arises from a more widespread diffuse gas component.

Context. The molecular gas in the DR21 massive star formation region is known to be affected by the strong UV field from the central star cluster and by a fast outflow creating a bright shock. The relative contribution of both heating mechanisms is the matter of a long debate.Aims. By better sampling the excitation ladder of various tracers we provide a quantitative distinction between the different heating mechanisms.Methods. HIFI observations of mid-J transitions of CO and HCO+ isotopes allow us to bridge the gap in excitation energies between observations from the ground, characterizing the cooler gas, and existing ISO LWS spectra, constraining the properties of the hot gas. Comparing the detailed line profiles allows to identify the physical structure of the different components.Results. In spite of the known shock-excitation of H-2 and the clearly visible strong outflow, we find that the emission of all lines up to greater than or similar to 2 THz can be explained by purely radiative heating of the material. However, the new Herschel/HIFI observations reveal two types of excitation conditions. We find hot and dense clumps close to the central cluster, probably dynamically affected by the outflow, and a more widespread distribution of cooler, but nevertheless dense, molecular clumps.

Mon R2, at a distance of 830 pc, is the only ultracompact HII region (UC HII) where the photon-dominated region (PDR) between the ionized gas and the molecular cloud can be resolved with Herschel. HIFI observations of the abundant compounds 13CO, C18O, o-H2-18O, HCO+, CS, CH, and NH have been used to derive the physical and chemical conditions in the PDR, in particular the water abundance. The 13CO, C18O, o-H2-18O, HCO+ and CS observations are well described assuming that the emission is coming from a dense (n=5E6 cm-3, N(H2)>1E22 cm-2) layer of molecular gas around the UC HII. Based on our o-H2-18O observations, we estimate an o-H2O abundance of ~2E-8. This is the average ortho-water abundance in the PDR. Additional H2-18O and/or water lines are required to derive the water abundance profile. A lower density envelope (n~1E5 cm-3, N(H2)=2-5E22 cm-2) is responsible for the absorption in the NH 1_1-0_2 line. The emission of the CH ground state triplet is coming from both regions with a complex and self-absorbed profile in the main component. The radiative transfer modeling shows that the 13CO and HCO+ line profiles are consistent with an expansion of the molecular gas with a velocity law, v_e =0.5 x (r/Rout)^{-1} km/s, although the expansion velocity is poorly constrained by the observations presented here.

Using Herschel’s HIFI instrument, we observe [C ii] along a cut through S140, as well as high-J transitions of CO and HCO at two positions on the cut, corresponding to the externally irradiated ionization front and the embedded massive star-forming core IRS1. The HIFI data were combined with available ground-based observations and modeled using the KOSMA-τ model for photon-dominated regions (PDRs). We derive the physical conditions in S140 and in particular the origin of [C ii] emission around IRS1. We identify three distinct regions of [C ii] emission from the cut, one close to the embedded source IRS1, one associated with the ionization front, and one further into the cloud. The line emission can be understood in terms of a clumpy model of PDRs. At the position of IRS1, we identify at least two distinct components contributing to the [C ii] emission, one of them a small, hot component, which can possibly be identified with the irradiated outflow walls. This is consistent with the [C ii] peak at IRS1 coinciding with shocked H2 emission at the edges of the outflow cavity. We note that previously available observations of IRS1 can be reproduced well by a single-component KOSMA-τ model. Thus, it is HIFI’s unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution, as well as its sensitivity that has allowed us to uncover an additional hot gas component in the S140 region.

Context. The molecular gas in the DR21 massive star formation region is known to be affected by the strong UV field from the central star cluster and by a fast outflow creating a bright shock. The relative contribution of both heating mechanisms is the matter of a long debate. Aims. By better sampling the excitation ladder of various tracers we provide a quantitative distinction between the different heating mechanisms. Methods. HIFI observations of mid-J transitions of CO and HCO isotopes allow us to bridge the gap in excitation energies between observations from the ground, characterizing the cooler gas, and existing ISO LWS spectra, constraining the properties of the hot gas. Comparing the detailed line profiles allows to identify the physical structure of the different components. Results. In spite of the known shock-excitation of H2 and the clearly visible strong outflow, we find that the emission of all lines up to >∼2 THz can be explained by purely radiative heating of the material. However, the new Herschel/HIFI observations reveal two types of excitation conditions. We find hot and dense clumps close to the central cluster, probably dynamically affected by the outflow, and a more widespread distribution of cooler, but nevertheless dense, molecular clumps.

Using Herschel's HIFI instrument we have observed [C II] along a cut through S140 and high-J transitions of CO and HCO+ at two positions on the cut, corresponding to the externally irradiated ionization front and the embedded massive star forming core IRS1. The HIFI data were combined with available ground-based observations and modeled using the KOSMA-tau model for photon dominated regions. Here we derive the physical conditions in S140 and in particular the origin of [C II] emission around IRS1. We identify three distinct regions of [C II] emission from the cut, one close to the embedded source IRS1, one associated with the ionization front and one further into the cloud. The line emission can be understood in terms of a clumpy model of photon-dominated regions. At the position of IRS1, we identify at least two distinct components contributing to the [C II] emission, one of them a small, hot component, which can possibly be identified with the irradiated outflow walls. This is consistent with the fact that the [C II] peak at IRS1 coincides with shocked H2 emission at the edges of the outflow cavity. We note that previously available observations of IRS1 can be well reproduced by a single-component KOSMA-tau model. Thus it is HIFI's unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution, as well as its sensitivity which has allowed us to uncover an additional hot gas component in the S140 region.

Aims. Understanding the depletion of heavy elements is a fundamental step towards determining the structure of pre-protostellar cores just prior to collapse. We study the dependence of the NO abundance on position in the pre-protostellar cores L1544 and L183.Methods. We observed the 150 GHz and 250 GHz transitions of NO and the 93 GHz transitions of N2H+ towards L1544 and L183 using the IRAM 30 m telescope. We compare the variation of the NO column density with position in these objects with the H column density derived from dust emission measurements.Results. We find that NO behaves differently from N2H+ and appears to be partially depleted in the high density core of L1544. Other oxygen-containing compounds are also likely to be partially depleted in dense-core nuclei. The principal conclusions are that: the prestellar core L1544 is likely to be "carbon-rich"; the nitrogen chemistry did not reach equilibrium prior to gravitational collapse, and nitrogen is initially (at densities of the order of 10(4) cm(-3)) mainly in atomic form; the grain sticking probabilities of atomic C, N and, probably, O are significantly smaller than unity.