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

这是一个合作项目，铅0607838/贝克，非铅0607759/布拉德利。当第一批恒星从不断演变的宇宙结构的最密集区域形成时，它们的紫外线刺激了星系间介质的氢线发射。虽然理论表明这种辐射应该是可测量的，但关于信号的幅度、角度结构、频率和红移变化仍有许多不确定因素。我们对再电离时代(EOR)的理解的进展取决于对这条红移21厘米线的探测和详细研究，一些实验正在计划或正在进行中。这项工作从简单开始，逐年分阶段开发，已经在部署120-205 MHz范围内敏感的测试元件。一个创新的相关器正在建设中。现有的重点是阵列校准、广域成像，以及了解如何实现深度集成所需的稳定性。这一延续项目将巩固和扩大，包括在西澳大利亚州部署更大的阵列，那里的无线电频率干扰最小。北方和南方的阵列将一起产生整个天空中这些频率下最明亮的源的目录，并证明针对未来精密阵列的关键能力，以探测再电离时代(论文)，调查宇宙中最迷人的时刻之一。这个项目既受益于相关项目，也帮助了相关项目，包括(但不限于)频率捷变太阳射电望远镜、艾伦望远镜阵列和加州毫米天文阵列。这些都是对低频射电天文学以及太阳物理学和空间气象的贡献。这项研究还聚焦于研究生和博士后对仪器开发的参与。Paper还将率先在全球一个独特的地区建立射电天文公园和无线电静音区。

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.