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Draft:The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)

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The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)
OrganizationDominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory and CHORD Collaboration
LocationKaleden, British Columbia V0H 1K0, Canada
Websitewww.chord-observatory.ca

Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)

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Logo of the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)

The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD) is an advanced radio telescope facility designed to further research in various fields of astrophysics. Building upon the success of the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), CHORD aims to provide unparalleled observational capabilities.

Instrumentation and Design

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Central Array: CHORD features a central array of 512 six-meter dishes. These dishes utilize advanced composite technology and are located at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia.[1] VLBI Outrigger Stations: Additional 64-dish arrays will be installed at remote sites to enhance localization capabilities for fast radio bursts (FRBs).[2][3] Ultra-Wideband Feeds: Custom-designed receivers and ultra-low-noise amplifiers will ensure a system temperature below 30K across a 300-1500 MHz bandwidth.[4] Digital Signal Processing: The CHORD FX correlator will leverage state-of-the-art technologies to handle real-time data processing efficiently.[4][5][6]

Overview of the CHORD instrument. A large core of UWB 300-1500MHz dishes is located adjacent to CHIME at DRAO. This core is supplemented by a pair of outrigger stations, each equipped with a small CHIME-like 400-800MHz cylinder and an array of UWB 300-1500MHz dishes. Signals from the dishes and cylinders are processed by a digital backend which substantially builds on the designs used in CHIME, leveraging new technologies from a telecommunications and artificial intelligence industries. Note: Dishes are not drawn to scale, so array images are representative only: for visual simplicity they do not attempt to show the large number of elements.
Overview of the CHORD instrument.

Scientific Goals

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1. Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs): CHORD will significantly improve the localization of FRBs, providing precise coordinates for thousands of these events, which is crucial for understanding their origins and the properties of the intergalactic medium.[3]

2. Cosmic Structure Mapping: The observatory will create the most detailed 3D map of the universe to date, enabling large-scale structure studies and revealing the evolution of cosmic matter from nearby regions to redshifts beyond 3.[3]

3. Fundamental Physics: CHORD will explore new areas in fundamental physics, such as testing theories of gravity, detecting gravitational waves, and probing neutrino properties.[3]

Collaborations and Impact

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CHORD is a pan-Canadian initiative involving institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of Calgary, and the Perimeter Institute. It also maintains international collaborations with groups at MIT, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and Yale University.[3] The project is expected to enhance Canada's leadership in radio astronomy, foster academic and industrial partnerships, and provide training opportunities for highly qualified personnel in advanced technologies.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector". CHORD Observatory. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  2. ^ Tapping, Ken (2022-07-08). "New radio telescope to 'see' the stars - Skywatching". Castanet: Kelowna's Homepage. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Vanderlinde, Keith; Liu, Adrian; Gaensler, Bryan; Bond, Dick; Hinshaw, Gary; Ng, Cherry; Chiang, Cynthia; Stairs, Ingrid; Brown, Jo-Anne; Sievers, Jonathan; Mena, Juan; Smith, Kendrick; Bandura, Kevin; Masui, Kiyoshi; Spekkens, Kristine; Belostotski, Leo; Dobbs, Matt; Turok, Neil; Boyle, Patrick; Rupen, Michael; Landecker, Tom; Pen, Ue-Li; Kaspi, Victoria (2019). "The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)". Canadian Long Range Plan for Astronomy and Astrophysics White Papers. 2020: 28. arXiv:1911.01777. Bibcode:2019clrp.2020...28V. doi:10.5281/zenodo.3765414.
  4. ^ a b "CHORD Instrumentation". CHORD Observatory. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  5. ^ National Research Council Canada (2023-09-29). "Erienne O'Grady, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre". nrc.canada.ca. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  6. ^ "Measuring matter". The Globe and Mail. 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
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Official website