Radio Astronomical Studies with the BIMA Array

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AbstractAST 99-81363. University of Illinois. PI: L.E. SnyderRadio Astronomical Studies with the BIMA ArrayThis award supports research, technological development, and student education at the Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association (BIMA) Array. BIMA consists of ten 6.1-meter-diameter antennas located near Burney, California. The mission of BIMA is to carry out spectroscopic and continuum observations of astronomical objects in the frequency range 30-245 GHz. The observatory was constructed with funds from the NSF and from private sources. BIMA is presently one of two US facilities engaged in interferometric observations in the millimeter wavelength band (the other being the Owens Valley Millimeter Array, also funded by NSF). Over the next three years, BIMA plans to carry out the following scientific programs: (i) High-resolution (0.15") imaging of circumstellar disks at 1.3mm.(ii) Measurement of magnetic field strengths in dense molecular clouds via the Zeeman effect in the molecule CN.(iii) Searches for galaxy clusters at any redshift, and derivation of the Hubble Constant, using the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect.(iv) Continuation of a CO imaging survey of nearby galaxies.Planned technological developments include:(i) Implementation of dual polarization l3mm MMIC receivers.(ii) Broadening the IF bandwidth and developing a new broadband correlator.(iii) Installing new water vapor monitors with cooled frontends.(iv) Upgrading the antenna control system