The Expansion of Arecibo in Summer 2008: A Receiver at 600-1200 MHz
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to investigate the radio frequency interference (RFI) environment seen through the Arecibo telescope and recommend necessary limits for a cooled receiver in the 600-1200 MHz regime. Preliminary discriminatory measurements were made using the Hilltop RFI Monitoring system. Strong TV and cell phone signals dominate the band from 450 to 1200 MHz. We seek to overcome this RFI for a number of reasons. It is feasible that the dish will see less troublesome RFI than the Hilltop Monitoring sees. Additionally, this region is astronomically essential, as it is ideal for both pulsar research and high z HI studies. We have constructed an antenna and receiver optimized in the 600-1200 MHz band and have installed them in the Gregorian Dome. We are currently working to focus and calibrate the receiver and to produce spectra across the band from sample regions of the entire Arecibo beam. This information will guide the limits and filters necessary to make a cooled receiver functional in this useful region. We graciously thank the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program for funding this research.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #213
- Pub Date:
- January 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AAS...21347430J