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

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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.***