AMiBA: BROADBAND HETERODYNE COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND INTERFEROMETRY

Abstract

The Y. T. Lee Array for Microwave Background (AMiBA) has reported the first\nscience results on the detection of galaxy clusters via the Sunyaev Zel'dovich\neffect. The science objectives required small reflectors in order to sample\nlarge scale structures (20') while interferometry provided modest resolutions\n(2'). With these constraints, we designed for the best sensitivity by utilizing\nthe maximum possible continuum bandwidth matched to the atmospheric window at\n86-102GHz, with dual polarizations. A novel wide-band analog correlator was\ndesigned that is easily expandable for more interferometer elements. MMIC\ntechnology was used throughout as much as possible in order to miniaturize the\ncomponents and to enhance mass production. These designs will find application\nin other upcoming astronomy projects. AMiBA is now in operations since 2006,\nand we are in the process to expand the array from 7 to 13 elements.\n