Expected Capabilities

All EVLA antennas are outfitted with either EVLA or "interim" L, EVLA C, VLA X, EVLA K, EVLA Ka, and EVLA Q-band receivers. (Interim receivers are EVLA receivers with narrowband VLA polarizers. All interim receivers will be converted to full EVLA capabilities by the end of 2012. The polarization purity and sensitivity of the interim receivers typically is good only over the traditional VLA tuning range.) As of July 2012, 25 of the EVLA antennas will be outfitted with S-band receivers, 23 EVLA antennas will have Ku-band receivers, and 22 will have new EVLA-style X-band receivers. Figure 1 shows the expected installation rate of final EVLA receiver systems for the rest of the EVLA construction project. The 8-GHz maximum bandwidth availability depends on the implementation of the fast 3-bit samplers, expected to be commissioned by the end of 2012. Prior to this, the maximum available bandwidth will be 2 GHz per polarization.

Figure 1 does not tell the entire story of frequency availability for observing with the EVLA, however, since there are interim or VLA receivers at L and X-bands that can be used in the absence of the final EVLA receivers. Table 4 gives a prediction of the new frequency capabilities that are available in September 2011 and January 2012, along with the expected "total" numbers of receivers for a given band, including VLA-style and/or interim receivers. New receiver bands will be offered for general use when the performance of at least five antennas has been verified by EVLA commissioning staff.

Note: The "EVLA+VLA/interim" columns give the total numbers of receivers expected to be available for a given band, including all VLA-style and/or interim receivers (see Figure 1).

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.