Implementation of a Direct-Imaging and FX Correlator for the BEST-2 Array
Jan 27, 20149 pages
Published in:
- Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc. 439 (2014) 3, 3180-3188
- Published: Apr 11, 2014
e-Print:
- 1401.6753 [astro-ph.IM]
DOI:
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Abstract: (Oxford University Press)
A new digital backend has been developed for the Basic Element for SKA Training II (BEST-2) array at Radiotelescopi di Medicina, INAF-IRA, Italy, which allows concurrent operation of an FX correlator, and a direct-imaging correlator and beamformer. This backend serves as a platform for testing some of the spatial Fourier transform concepts which have been proposed for use in computing correlations on regularly gridded arrays. While spatial Fourier transform-based beamformers have been implemented previously, this is, to our knowledge, the first time a direct-imaging correlator has been deployed on a radio astronomy array. Concurrent observations with the FX and direct-imaging correlator allow for direct comparison between the two architectures. Additionally, we show the potential of the direct-imaging correlator for time-domain astronomy, by passing a subset of beams though a pulsar and transient detection pipeline. These results provide a timely verification for spatial Fourier transform-based instruments that are currently in commissioning. These instruments aim to detect highly redshifted hydrogen from the epoch of reionization and/or to perform wide-field surveys for time-domain studies of the radio sky. We experimentally show the direct-imaging correlator architecture to be a viable solution for correlation and beamforming.Note:
- 12 pages, 17 figures, 2 tables, Accepted to MNRAS January 24, 2014, includes appendix diagrams
- instrumentation: interferometers
- instrumentation: miscellaneous
- techniques: interferometric
- radio continuum: general
References(36)
Figures(10)