Array Configuration Design of the Atacama Compact Array Abstract
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ALMA Memo # 538
Array Configuration Design of the Atacama Compact Array
Koh-Ichiro Morita (NAOJ), Mark Holdaway (NRAO)
2005-09-29
In this memo, we present a design concept of the array configuration of the Atacama Compact Array (ACA) and strawperson plan of the configuration design. Basic parameters of the array configuration of ACA were discussed from the analysis of the sensitivity in {\it uv} plane of mosaicing observations with the ACA and the ALMA. For detailed design, it was shown that the compact spiral concept is appropriate to meet major requirements for the ACA, which are to obtain higher {\it uv} response at the short {\it uv} spacings and better sidelobe performance. To satisfy the sky coverage requirement, the north - south elongation is needed. We propose that the ACA system consists of two configurations, one (Inner Array) is a compact spiral array with small north - south axis ratio (x 1.1) and the other (NS Array) is a dedicated configuration with large north - south axis ratio (x 1.7). In current actual plan, inner 6 pads are shared by both configurations.
View a pdf version of ALMA Memo #538.
