Direct Detection CO J=7 --> 6 Spectroscopy: First Light with SPIFI

We present the results of the first observing run with our new submillimeter spectrometer SPIFI. A direct-detection imaging spectrometer, SPIFI uses bolometers at T=70 mK, and cryogenic, scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometers. On our April 1999 run at the JCMT, the instrument showed good sensitivity and despite mediocre weather, we obtained an extensive map of CO 7-6 in the Galactic Center Circumnuclear Ring as well as the starburst galaxies NGC 253 and M82.