A New Radome for the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory 14 Meter Telescope

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This award provides partial funding to upgrade the spaceframe and radome membrane enclosing the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory (FCRAO) 14-meter telescope. Matching funds are being provided by Massachusetts. Improvements of the panel alignment, pointing, and environmental systems during the past 3 years have resulted in an antenna capable of efficient operation at wavelengths as short as 1.1 mm. Weather statistics, measured attenuation data, and observing experience support the utility of the Quabbin site for short millimeter (mm)-wavelength observation for 4 months of the year. Under the direction of the respected Principal Investigator, the replacement of the present radome-membrane fabric with a woven teflon laminate, which has recently become available, will result in a dramatic improvement in system efficiencies at wavelengths 2 mm and 7 mm, as well as a significant improvement in the 3 mm window. Together with the state-of-the art receivers available or under development at FCRAO, the fully upgraded system will offer angular resolution and sensitivity at short millimeter wavelengths that are competitive with facilities operated or planned by other countries. Technological applications of this project are also significant. Metal spaceframe radomes are widely used to protect communication systems and radars in both civilian and military applications around the world. The radome proposed here would be the first of its type, a real innovation for short millimeter-wavelength and sub-millimeter systems. In addition, its installation at FCRAO will provide an important improvement in the astronomical "testbed" for the development of rugged, versatile, state-of-the-art electronics for use at these wavelengths, and in the training of graduate students in this technology.