Astronomical Studies with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory employs a precision 10.4-meter-diameter telescope operating within a dome to observe the sky at submillimeter wavelengths. This award will continue funding for the next three years for observatory operations, staff and student support, and for instrumentation development. Areas of research will include studies of molecular gas and dust in distant primeval galaxies, large-scale imaging of star-forming clouds using powerful new bolometer cameras, and observations of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect on the cosmic microwave background. Instrumentation will be developed to increase overall system sensitivity and mapping speed. The CSO trains many undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, in both observational science and instrumentation development. A considerable fraction of telescope time is allocated to students, both at Caltech and at other institutions; overall, more than 50% of telescope usage is by astronomers from outside of Caltech. The CSO is noteworthy for its pioneering research in astronomical receiver and bolometer technology, which is used at many other observatories both national and worldwide. A new bolometer camera system based on Microwave Kinetic Induction Devices (MKIDs) will be developed and used on the telescope during this award period.