Aperture Array Verification Program

One type of AA-lo antenna based on dipole elements; ICRAR is also examining the performance and cost characteristics of other types of antenna, including log spirals and derivatives. Credit: Swinburne Astronomy Productions and the SKA Program Development Office

Collaborating with researchers from nine EU nations, scientists and engineers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research are contributing to the SKA Aperture Array Verification Programme (AAVP). Working with European and Australian industry collaborators, the Centre will build and characterise a prototype AA-lo array (of order 16 x 16 elements) to be deployed at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO). 

The development of large aperture array stations composed of many small, low cost antenna elements is pivotal to the design and scientific performance of the SKA. The AAVP is concerned with the design and prototyping of all-electronic “aperture array” receptors for the detection of cosmic emission in the 70MHz to 1400MHz range.

ICRAR's contribution to the AAVP relates to the 70-450 MHz band ("AA-lo"), with the intention being to take an exploratory technology path. This will involve the development of a wide-band active element covering the whole AA-lo band, as well as low-power digitisation and signal transmission technologies. ICRAR will also examine the feasibility of solar-powered array elements which, when combined with optical fibre connectivity, offers the possibility of easily deployed, galvanically isolated antennas.  

A great positive of the AAVP collaboration is the increased bench-level engineering collaboration between ICRAR and European institutes including ASTRON, the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester, and INAF.