Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-11-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
10 pages, 9 figures, 1 table, revised to match version accepted by AJ
Scientific paper
We present a new technique for calibrating the primary beam of a wide-field, drift-scanning antenna element. Drift-scan observing is not compatible with standard beam calibration routines, and the situation is further complicated by difficult-to-parametrize beam shapes and, at low frequencies, the sparsity of accurate source spectra to use as calibrators. We overcome these challenges by building up an interrelated network of source "crossing points" -- locations where the primary beam is sampled by multiple sources. Using the single assumption that a beam has 180 degree rotational symmetry, we can achieve significant beam coverage with only a few tens of sources. The resulting network of crossing points allows us to solve for both a beam model and source flux densities referenced to a single calibrator source, circumventing the need for a large sample of well-characterized calibrators. We illustrate the method with actual and simulated observations from the Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER).
Aguirre James E.
Bradley Richard F.
Carilli Chris L.
Gugliucci Nicole E.
Jacobs Daniel C.
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