MRI: Development of Next Generation Digital Signal Processing Platforms for Astronomy

Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Using newly available open-source technology, this program will design and build a new digital signal processing platform (DSP) specifically for radio astronomy, but with possible applications scientific experiments in other fields. Coupled with existing radio telescopes, this instrument will lead to new approaches and capabilities for observational astronomy. Students will gain hands-on experience with all aspects of the project, including instrument design and development through data reduction and analysis. This Major Research Instrumentation award will fund design and development of an ultra-wideband DSP. This platform will be used for a 100 Gbps VLBI digital back end for the next generation Event Horizon Telescope and for an ultra-wideband correlator and phased array for the Submillimeter Array on Mauna Kea. It will increase the sensitivity of the Event Horizon Telescope by a factor of 2, possibly enabling direct imaging of a black hole event horizon.