Australia Telescope Compact Array Surface Extension Project

A brief snapshot summary of the Australia Telescope Compact Array surface extension project is presented here. Further details for scientists and engineers are given in the Technical And Scientific pages.

For 3mm (100 GHz) observations the current surface of the Narrabri antennas is only useable to 15 metres diameter. The outer section of the antenna has perforated panels which are largely transparent at wavelengths below 5mm (60 GHz).

The antenna surface extension project involves replacing the existing outer perforated panels with solid panels, giving 22 metre reflectors useable to beyond 100 GHz. The extension will significantly improve the scientific capabilities of the antennas.

Evans Deakin Engineering P/L will manufacture the panels using a vacuum forming and epoxying technique, a method developed by CSIRO for the initial Australia Telescope Compact Array construction and since transferred to Australian industry. The first set of panels were installed in September, 1998 and are now being tested. Present indications are that panel surface errors will be in the range 50-100 microns, making the ATNF goal of a 125 micron root-mean-square antenna surface error (corresponding to > 40% aperture efficiency at 100 GHz) appear reasonable.


The technical and scientific pages contain more details on the design and construction of the receivers.

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Last update by Michelle Storey. 25/11/98