Collaborative Proposal for PAPER -- Precision Array to Probe the Epoch of Reionization

这是一个合作项目，牵头0607838/Backer，非牵头0607759/Bradley。当第一批恒星在演化的宇宙结构中密度最大的区域形成时，它们发出的紫外线刺激了星系间介质中的氢线辐射。虽然理论表明这种辐射应该是可测量的，但信号的振幅、角结构、频率和红移变化有许多不确定因素。我们对再电离时代（EoR）的理解的进展取决于对这条21厘米红移线的探测和详细研究，一些实验正在计划或正在进行中。这项工作开始很简单，每年分阶段开发，并且已经在120- 205mhz范围内部署了敏感的测试元件。一个创新的相关器正在建设中。现有的重点是阵列校准，宽视场成像，以及了解如何实现深度集成所需的稳定性。该项目将继续巩固和扩大，包括在西澳大利亚部署一个更大的阵列，在那里混淆的射频干扰最小。北方和南方的阵列将共同产生一个在整个天空中这些频率上最亮的光源目录，并证明未来精确阵列探测再电离时代（PAPER）的关键能力，研究宇宙中最迷人的时代之一。该项目既受益于相关项目，也帮助了相关项目，包括（但不限于）频率敏捷太阳射电望远镜、艾伦望远镜阵列和加州毫米波天文阵列。这些都是对低频射电天文学的贡献，以及对太阳物理学和空间天气的贡献。这项研究也非常关注研究生和博士后对仪器开发的参与。PAPER还将率先在全球独特的地区建立射电天文公园和射电安静区。

This is a collaborative project, lead 0607838/Backer, non-lead 0607759/Bradley.When the first stars formed from the densest regions of the evolving cosmic structure, their ultraviolet light stimulated hydrogen-line emission from the intergalactic medium. Although theory suggests that this radiation should be measurable, there are many uncertainties about the amplitude, angular structure, and frequency and redshift variation, of the signal. Progress in our understanding of the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) rests on detection and detailed study of this redshifted 21-cm line, and several experiments are planned or under way. This effort starts simple, with phased developments year by year, and is already deploying test elements sensitive in the 120-205 MHz range. An innovative correlator is under construction. The existing emphasis is on array calibration, wide-field imaging, and understanding how to achieve the stability needed for deep integrations. This continuation project will consolidate and expand, including deploying a larger array in Western Australia, where confounding radio frequency interference is minimal. Together, the northern and southern arrays will produce a catalog of the brightest sources at these frequencies in the entire sky, and prove key capabilities aimed at the future Precision Array to Probe the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER), investigating one of the most fascinating times in the Universe.This project both benefits from, and helps, related projects, including (but not limited to) the Frequency Agile Solar Radiotelescope, the Allen Telescope Array, and the California Array for Millimeter Astronomy. These are contributions to low frequency radio astronomy in general, as well as to solar physics and space weather. The study is also sharply focused around graduate student and postdoc involvement in instrumentation development. PAPER will also be a pioneer in launching a Radio Astronomy Park and radio quiet zone in a unique part of the globe.