Test Interferometer

The plan for the Test Interferometer (TI) evaluation tasks has been formulated. The goals of the TI are, in order of priority:

1.

To evaluate the prototype antennas to determine if they meet the specifications of the antenna contracts.

2.

To compare the relative performance of both prototype antennas.

3.

To evaluate the ALMA electronics systems.

4.

To evaluate the prototype monitor and control system, special observing modes, innovations in electronics systems, etc.

A detailed list of tasks, sequenced to accomplish these goals, has been developed. Refinement of this plan will continue over the coming months, with a concentration on the assignment of personnel resources to the assembled tasks. Several issues, including the status of phase and amplitude calibration systems for the TI, will be revised and/or accommodated in the plan over the next six months. By spring 2001, we would like to have a final plan.