Graeme Carrad

Theme Leader – Technologies for Radio Astronomy

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science

25 October 2011

Australia Telescope Users Committee

Technologies Report – October 2011

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

Status•64MHz zoom mode with all 16 zooms available has an estimated delivery date of year end 2011.

• Wilson handover• Leave

•Tim Bateman will transfer from ASKAP to CABB and will concentrate on problems that contribute to operational bugs and unreliability.

•Warwick Wilson back in the country and working in with Bob Sault.

•Lessons learned from implementing 1 MHz and 64 MHz allow faster delivery of the remaining two modes

…or are CABB’s bugs to be fixed first? – feedback needed.

Compact Array Broadband Backend

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

4 – 12GHz Receiver Upgrade

• Australian Astronomy Limited (AAL) funding commenced in July 2011. Scheduled for completion in June 2013.

• Two 4 – 12GHz LNAs have been fabricated and incorporated into a proof of concept receiver. Amplifier noise temperature ~7.5K. Receiver noise temperature ~9K

• The receiver is to be installed and tested on a Compact Array antenna in the last week of November. (week starting 28th)

20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

4 – 12GHz Receiver Upgrade

• Measurements of the existing feed and OMT indicate they do not cover the full band.

• A new OMT has been fabricated and performs well

20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project (2)

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project (3)

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project (4)

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

• We will look at options for the feed but must ascertain if resources are available before proceeding to outfit the array

• ICT engaged to conduct a study for a feed design that achieves the desired bandwidth but constrained to the same feed throat dimension as the current C/X feed.

• Any loss of science above 11 GHz please communicate to Project Scientist Naomi McClure Griffiths.

20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project (5)

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

• Talks with FAST project and JBCA regarding a design study for a multibeam now at contract preparation stage.

Other activities

Thank you

Contact UsPhone: 61 2 9372 4100 Fax: 61 2 9372 4310

Email: atnf-enquiries@csiro.au Web: www.atnf.csiro.au

CSIRO Astronomy and Space ScienceGraeme CarradTheme Leader – Technologies for Radio AstronomyPhone: 61 2 9372 4305Email: Graeme.Carrad@csiro.auWeb: www.atnf.csiro.au