Australia Telescope Compact Array Surface Extension Project
A brief snapshot summary of the Australia Telescope Compact Array surface
extension project is presented here. Further details for scientists and
engineers are given in the Technical
And Scientific pages.
For 3mm (100 GHz) observations the current surface of the Narrabri antennas
is only useable to 15 metres diameter. The outer section of the antenna
has perforated panels which are largely transparent at wavelengths below
5mm (60 GHz).
The antenna surface extension project involves replacing the existing outer
perforated panels with solid panels, giving 22 metre reflectors useable
to beyond 100 GHz. The extension will significantly improve the scientific
capabilities of the antennas.
Evans Deakin Engineering P/L will manufacture the panels using a vacuum
forming and epoxying technique, a method developed by CSIRO for the initial
Australia Telescope Compact Array construction and since transferred to
Australian industry. The first set of panels were installed in September, 1998 and are now being tested. Present indications are that panel surface errors
will be in the range 50-100 microns, making the ATNF goal of a 125 micron
root-mean-square antenna surface error (corresponding to > 40% aperture
efficiency at 100 GHz) appear reasonable.
The technical
and scientific pages contain more details on the design and construction
of the receivers.
Go to MNRF
Projects Page
Go to MNRF Home Page
Go to ATNF Home Page
Last update by Michelle Storey. 25/11/98