ITR/AP: The Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) - A Digital Radio Telescope

本项目的目标是建立一个计算机模型，作为新型射电望远镜(工作在10-240 MHz波长范围内的400公里低频射电望远镜)的数据模拟器。该计算机模型的输出将用于研究各种不同的仪器设计以及开发后处理数据分析技术。后者将包括开发支持数据速率的网络架构和协议，支持超出当前最先进水平的动态范围和保真度水平，以及校准需要新技术和算法的电离层传播延迟和仪器特性。该项目是美国参与一项国际合作(为低频阵列指定LOFAR)的一部分，预计将于2006年开始运作。荷兰天文学研究基金会(NFRA，荷兰语为ASTRON)和美国海军研究实验室(NRL)正在投资另外900万至1000万美元用于设计。美国国家科学院天文学十年调查(2001)建议美国国家科学基金会资助该项目。这一努力是一项重大的新天文学倡议。NSF的参与将保证美国天文学界广泛使用该仪器，尽管主要资金将来自NRL和ASTRON。*

AST 0121164LonsdaleThe goals of this project are to produce a computer-model which will serve as a data simulator for a new type of radio telescope (a 400-km, low frequency, radio telescope that will work in the 10-240 MHz wavelength range). The output of this computer model will be used to study a variety of different instrument designs as well as develop techniques for the post-processing data analysis. The latter will include the development of a network architecture and protocol to support the data rates, support for dynamic range and fidelity levels that are beyond the present state-of-the-art, and the calibration of the ionospheric propagation delays and instrumental characteristics that require new techniques and algorithms. The project is part of the US participation in an international collaboration (designated LOFAR for Low Frequency Array) which is projected for operation in 2006. An additional $9-10 million is being invested in the design by Netherlands Foundation for Research in Astronomy (NFRA, [ASTRON in Dutch]) and the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey of Astronomy (2001) recommended the project for NSF support. This effort is a major new astronomy initiative. NSF participation will guarantee wide access to the instrument by the US astronomical community, although the primary funding will come from NRL and ASTRON.***