MMA Imaging and Calibration Group

Agenda for meeting Mon, 25 January 1999 at 4pm EST.

Date: 25 January 1999

Time: 4:00 pm EST (2:00 pm Socorro, 2:00 pm Tucson)

Phone: (804)296-7082 (CV SoundStation Premier Conference phone).

Past minutes, etc on MMA Imaging and Calibration Division Page

Agenda

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Antenna Pointing - Lugten

Few science programs for the MMA list goals for dynamic range and image fidelity. The planetary group needs 100:1 image fidelity in the submillimeter (http://www.cv.nrao.edu/~awootten/mmaimcal/submm.ssys.mac) which appears quite optimistic, even for an 8m telescope, at 900 GHz. It was decided that if Lugten can update his table to try to take into account (1) and (2), and for two values of pointing specifications for the antennas, it will be easier to decide if the existing pointing specification in the draft RFP is adequate.

PR - Wootten

Let's discuss a simulation of the HDF. Examples are the SIRTF simulation. SKA diagram of M101. Is this a weak galaxy? Why does the MMA/LSA fare so poorly here--or did they make a mistake. I thought we went to 7000 m^2 or whatever just so we could get 'normal, unevolved' galaxies like this at z=3!

Receiver Priorities - Wootten

The MAC said in November:

'It is unreasonable to expect all 9-10 receivers to be completed for 60 or more telescopes by the time the MMA/LSA comes on-line. Therefore the plan to install only three bands initially is reasonable. We recommend that two of the 3 bands should definitely be 90 GHz and 650 GHz. The third could be either 230 GHz or 345 GHz; compelling arguments for either can be made. The MAC favored 230 GHz over 350 GHz, but only marginally.

The remainder of the receivers should be installed as rapidly as possible. The MAC foresees a major operation installing more than 400 additional receivers, the logistics of which will have to be carefully planned. There should be a priority ordering of the subsequent bands to be installed as part of the plan of deployment and a time line should be worked out. The preferred sequence of receiver installation should be established on the basis of community input, either via the MAC and its European counter part or at the Science meeting next year. '

As I read this, the first priority for bands lies with 90-115, 230, 650, 350 GHz. That is, using the numbering and frequencis from MMA Memo 213,

Band No. 3, 89-116 GHz

Band No. 6, 211-275 GHz

Band No. 9, 602-720 GHz

Band No. 7, 275-370 GHz

The MAC seems to favor reserving judgment on the subsequent sequencing of receiver installation. I'll jump the gun and make a proposal. After that, I would recommend the order be

Band No. 2, 67-90 GHz

Band No. 4, 125-163 GHz

Band No. 5, 163-211 GHz

Band No. 8, 385-500 GHz

Band No. 1, 30-40 GHz

Band No. 10, 787-950 GHz

which I propose for a discussion topic at our Imaging and Calibration Meeting next week, and for the MAC, which might meet as scheduled 13 Jan.

Eurotasks -- Wootten

Looks like the European-US meeting in Tucson may occur 21-23 Feb 1999. What MMA Imaging and Calibration tasks might the Europeans aid us in?

1. Investigation of 183 GHz phase correction systems. This would be a continuation of the current program, in which one 183 GHz radiometer is situated at each end of the 12 GHz interferometer baseline at Chajnantor.

2. Investigation of total power imaging modes. The continuing 'DREAM' mode and related modes at the JCMT, as well as characterization of 1/f noise in SIS receivers, could help us to understand problems associated with sensitive total power observing modes.

3. Soil sampling.

4. Configuration studies. There has already been sizable interest in this subject, resulting in several memos in the Memo Series.

Fall 99 Meeting - Wootten

Note that the 12m '30th birthday meeting' will be of substantial interest to our group:

6- 9 Jun 'Imaging at Radio through Submillimeter Wavelengths' meeting in Tucson

Text of a letter I sent to the proposed SOC of the September 1999 meeting:

As you may know, a meeting of U. S. and European scientists is being planned for the Fall of 1999 in Washington, D. C. The goal of the meeting is to review the scientific program planned for the joint array and how that program interacts with the science goals of other astronomical facilities expected to be operational at the time that the MMA/LSA becomes operational.

Wootten has constructed a prototype WWW page for the meeting at:

LMA99

Science topics for this suggestion were drawn from those identified by the 1997 Thaddeus committee (Task Group on Space Astronomy and Astrophysics, Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics, Board on Physics and Astronomy, Space Studies Board, Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Applications, National Research Council) report A New Science Strategy for Space Astronomy and Astrophysics". I further limited them to those for which I thought that the MMA would provide deep impact. Modifications and suggestions are welcome. ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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Action Items 18Jan99

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Travel

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T. Helfer:

A. Wootten: 3-6 Feb (12m observing) 8-9 Feb (MMA talk at SPECS conference) 16 Feb (43m observing)

J. Mangum:

M. Yun:

B. Butler:

S. Radford: