Objetivo
We will develop a novel system to account for and counteract atmospheric phase noise in millimetre wavelength, radio-astronomical observations, in a quest to boost sensitivity at higher frequencies and higher spatial resolutions. Our innovative approach makes use of specially built, 22 GHz receivers that monitor the atmospheric water vapour content and provide input to a sophisticated model of the atmosphere directly above the telescope. The model will be used to rid the astronomical data of undesired atmospheric effects. World-class technology and methods will be developed with the intention to satisfy the needs of the current as well as the next generation of millimetre interferometric designs.
As an initial result of our work, we anticipate a significant increase in the sensitivity of current millimetre interferometric observations, especially under unfavourable atmospheric conditions. Research and testing will be conducted using the facilities of the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique (IRAM), in Grenoble, France. We will initially implement our system at the Plateau de Bure Interferometer, one of the world's most sensitive millimetre radio telescopes, with a view to implement it at other observatories worldwide in the future. IRAM, an international research organisation supported by German, French and Spanish funds, belongs in the category of small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Equally important to the scientific goals of this project, is the aim to provide training to the applicant in the fields of interferometric methods in radio astronomy and atmospheric physics. This training will be complementary to the past experience of the applicant, Dr Karastergiou, and will result in diverse knowledge and expertise in his field.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Convocatoria de propuestas
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5
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Régimen de financiación
EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European FellowshipsCoordinador
SAINT MARTIN D'HERES
Francia