The response of a radio-astronomy synthesis array to interfering signals.

In connection with their high sensitivity, radio telescopes are vulnerable to interference from other spectrum users. The present investigation is concerned with the interference levels for synthesis arrays. The principles of Fourier synthesis mapping are examined, and a very large array consisting of 27 antennas, arrayed on the three arms of an equiangular Y-shaped configuration, is considered as an example of a synthesis array. The 351 antenna-pair combinations make it possible to obtain a detailed map in a single period of 8 h or less. Attention is given to the averaging effect, the variation of sidelobe gain, an experimental investigation, the derivation of harmful limits, the decorrelation of broadband interference, and effects discussed by Burke (1980).