Australia Telescope Compact Array Local Oscillator Upgrade

A brief summary of the Australia Telescope Local Oscillator Upgrade project is presented here. Further details for scientists and engineers are given in the Technical And Scientific pages.

A very stable local oscillator reference frequency is sent to each antenna of the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Currently, the local oscillator reference frequency is distributed linearly along a single 7/8 inch co-axial cable. The reference frequency is used to determine the frequency and phase of the astronomical signal observed and is used in the conversion of the high-frequency astronomical signal to a lower-frequency signal that the electronics then amplifies.

Part of the MNRF grant to the Australia Telescope is being used to improve the Australia Telescope Compact Array local oscillator reference frequency distribution. The improved local oscillator reference frequency distribution will be more reliable and will provide the required low phase-noise and stability for local oscillators up to 110 GHz. In the new system, single-mode fibre-optic cable will be used to distribute the local oscillator reference frequency continuously to each antenna, using a new "star" technology.

Further details for scientists and engineers are given in the Technical And Scientific pages.

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Last update by Michelle Storey. 14/10/98