Development of Mid-Frequency Aperture Arrays for Radio Astronomy

摘要

Aperture arrays, or phased arrays, in the frequency range from 450 to 1450 MHz are an enabling technology for transformational radio astronomy science. Aperture arrays are required in order to continue the exponential progress in radio telescope performance, and to realize the targeted survey speed specifications of the second phase of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Over the last couple of years, significant progress has been made with the reduction of the costs and power consumption of the antennas, analog electronics and the computing (beam forming). Currently, demonstrator systems at various scales are being investigated to demonstrate the maturity and feasibility of the concept, and to support the involvement and training of a new generation of engineers in phased array technology.