|
A New Cluster Antenna
Array at the GMRT Campus
A joint project is being initiated by NCRA and RRI to build at the GMRT
site, a compact array with eight or more low cost parabolic antennas
similar to the 12m PPD antennas, operating in the frequency range of
500MHz to 8 GHz. This would provide a realistic cost estimate for mass
production of PPD antennas and address critical design and fabrication
issues. The array will be a test bed for playing with new technologies
that will be of interest for both GMRT upgrades and SKA.
The project is also of interest to local astronomers since it can
complement observations at GMRT, providing short spacing information and
greater frequency coverage. A need has been felt for a dedicated facility
for regular flux monitoring of variable source and pulsar timing which is
difficult at GMRT because of user pressure. An immediate goal for the
array would be to provide complement ASTROSAT, the Indian Xray/UV
satellite that is scheduled to be launched in 2007.
A study is being carried out by the Tata Consulting Engineers to optimise
the design and fabrication procedures for the 12m PPD dish in order to
minimise building and maintenance costs. Studies are also under way, at
the RRI, to optimise the configuration of the antennas, given the
different requirements.
|
|
Conferences / Meetings
SKA Conference
Oct 31-Nov 3, 2005
Pune, INDIA |
