Special Astrophysics Seminar

21cm Cylindrical Radio Telescope Design and Simulation

David McGinnis

Fermilab

Intensity mapping of the 21cm line can be a powerful technique for constraining dark energy parameters. A three dimensional 21cm intensity map will require a radio telescope with large collecting area, good resolution, and quick survey speed. An array of cylindrical reflectors that use fast Fourier transform beam forming is an excellent candidate for such an instrument. This talk will describe a cylindrical radio telescope design methodology and optimization strategy. In addition, a number of possible designs will be discussed. A full telescope simulation that includes the effects of noise, calibration errors, and foreground subtraction will be presented.