Collaborative Research: Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER)

该奖项是为了继续开发精密阵列探测再电离时代（PAPER）。论文的重点是统计检测中性星系际介质（IGM）在宇宙再电离过程中的HI 21-cm信号，这一事件对应于由第一批恒星和超大质量黑洞的紫外辐射引起的从完全中性的IGM到高度电离的IGM的转变。探索宇宙演化的最后一个未探索阶段被Astro 2010十年调查称为宇宙结构形成研究中具有非凡发现潜力的主要领域，这构成了这项研究的主要智力影响。在上一个奖项期间，根据AST-0804508和AST-0804523，PAPER在NRAO绿色河岸和南非卡鲁沙漠建立了有32个天线单元的观测站。 目前的建议将把PAPER的SA部署扩展到128个元素，并将支持使用GB和SA部署进行的观察和分析。 该计划的更广泛的影响包括低频射电天文学技术的进步，以及通过培养研究生和博士后的强烈教育重点。 该项目是迈向A2010所建议的未来氢时代再电离阵列（HERA）的主要垫脚石。 PAPER尽可能地将制造资金引导到当地的小企业，从而刺激了美国的经济。 外联活动包括由研究生就该项目举行若干公开讲座。

This award is for continuation of the development of the Precision Array to Probe the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER). The focus of PAPER is the statistical detection of HI 21-cm signals from the neutral intergalactic medium (IGM) during cosmic reionization, an event corresponding to the transition from a fully neutral IGM to a highly ionized IGM caused by the UV radiation from the first stars and supermassive black holes. Probing this last unexplored phase of cosmic evolution has been called out by the Astro2010 Decade Survey as the primary area with extraordinary discovery potential in the study of cosmic structure formation, and this constitutes the main intellectual impact of this research.During the previous award period, under AST-0804508 and AST-0804523, PAPER established observing sites with 32 antenna elements at both NRAO Green Bank and in the Karoo Desert of South Africa. The current proposal will expand the SA deployment of PAPER to 128 elements and will support on-going observations and analysis using both the GB and SA deployments. Broader impacts of the program include advancement of techniques in low frequency radio astronomy, and a strong educational emphasis through training of graduate students and postdocs. The project is a major stepping stone toward a future Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA), as recommended by A2010. PAPER has directed fabrication funds where possible to local small businesses, thus providing economic stimulus in the US. Outreach activities have included a number of public talks on the project by graduate students.