Scientific Scope

Recent years have seen a resurgence in large, single-dish, cm/mm-wave radio telescopes. The 100m NRAO Green Bank Telescope is in full operation. With a new secondary mirror,the MPFiR Effelsberg 100m radio telescope is now operating up to millimeter wavelengths. New 50m class or larger single dish telescopes have recently been constructed, or are planned, in Mexico, Italy, and a number of locations in China. All of these telescopes have ambitious plans to operate at wavelengths as short as 3mm, a natural limitation imposed by the atmosphere. Such operation will be extremely challenging, and will require exceptional pointing, tracking stability, and surface accuracy. While controlling the effects of wind and thermal gradients is vital for 3mm operation, the techniques developed for short wavelength operation also have significant benefit when observing at much longer wavelengths.

While the primary focus of the workshop will be on radio astronomy antennas, many of the concerns and techniques are shared with the large antennas used for Deep Space Communications. Finally, while the observing wavelengths are completely different, these large radio telescopes have learned many lessons which are applicable to the next generation of extremely large (30 - 40m diameter) optical telescopes currently under construction. The purpose of the workshop is to bring together experts, and other active practitioners in this field, to share knowledge and exchange ideas across a wide range of topics. Particular attention will be given to:

  • pointing models, including compensation for gravity, thermal and azimuth track effects
  • strategies for simultaneous pointing, collimation, and surface figure control
  • measurement and control of reflector surface figures
  • modern servo control systems
  • innovative approaches to antenna metrology

Invited Speakers

  • Mario Garcia-Sanz, Case Western Reserve University, USA
  • Hans Kaercher, MT Mechatronics GmbH, Germany
  • Michael Kesteven, CSIRO, Australia / SHAO, China
  • Patrick Wallace, Tpoint Software, UK

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.