The Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) provides medium and high
spectral resolution in the infrared. Its grating spectrometers cover the
wavelength region 2.38-45.2 
m, with an overall spectral resolution
of 
1,000-2,000 , i.e.,
corresponding to a velocity resolution
of 
300-150 km s 
.
By inserting Fabry-Pérot (F-P) filters for the wavelength regions
15-26 m and 26-35 m, the resolution can be boosted to
, i.e., corresponding
to a velocity resolution 10 km s .
Limiting flux densities for 10-minute observations at a signal-to-noise
ratio SNR = 20 in the standard grating mode (Astronomical
Observation Template SWS06) range from 2 Jy at 2.38 m to 8 Jy
at 45.2 m for a wavelength range of 8 resolution elements.
Limiting fluxes for 10-minute observations at
SNR = 20 in the
standard F-P mode (AOT SWS07) of an unresolved line are of the order
of 2 
Wm 
.
The SWS wavelength range is of great scientific interest, not only
because it is here that cool objects in the temperature range
1500-80 K radiate the bulk of their energy, but also because of its
rich variety of atomic, ionic, molecular and solid-state spectral
features. These provide unique and excellent tools for studies of the
physical and chemical processes in the universe, especially of those
regions optically hidden by interstellar dust. The SWS spectral
resolution allows probing of kinematic processes in a variety of objects
ranging from nuclei of galaxies to planetary atmospheres. With the SWS
sensitivity, line studies of extragalactic objects out to the distance
of the Virgo cluster, and even beyond in the case of IRAS galaxies, can
be carried out. Direct observation of ground
state 
in the interstellar medium is possible. With the SWS over
100,000 objects -- including many galaxies -- are within reach for
detailed spectroscopic studies.
The scope of this document is to provide to instrument team
investigators and guest investigators an ISO-SWS observer's manual,
giving a general introduction to the SWS instrument and operations, and
recipes for planning of individual observations.