The Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

Abstract:

The presence of spurious frequency tones emanating from a harmonically generated local oscillator (LO) signal can significantly degrade the performance of a SuperconductorInsulator-Superconductor (SIS) tunnel junction mixer [1]. The existence of harmonics is often revealed by distorted I-V curves obtained when pumping the SIS device with the LO. We have investigated this effect by using a commercially available source and correlating the photon step induced I-V curve structure with a direct frequency measurement made via a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) and a spectrum analyser. Our results suggest that intermixing frequency products are generated within the first, low frequency, stage of the LO chain, and these unwanted signals are converted to high frequency tones through subsequent stages of LO amplification and frequency up-conversion. The experimental work has been performed by using measurement facilities available at the University of Oxford and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), UK.

Abstract:

Over the last 25 years ∼75% of the low-mass X-ray binary X-ray transients have been shown to contain black-hole compact objects, based on optical spectroscopy of their kinematics when in quiescence. Because many of these systems are extremely faint in quiescence and unobservable, we have utilised the method of studying them when in X-ray outburst that exploits the fluores- cence features produced by X-ray irradiation of the donor's inner face, thereby allowing us to track the motion of the donor. Such outbursts are unpredictable and hence these studies must necessarily be through Target-of-Opportunity programs, and hence are ideal for SALT for accessible targets. Here we report on our SALT ToO studies of two transients, both believed to contain black holes and both at high galactic latitude.

Abstract:

We describe near-field tests and results of an 8 pixel close-packed feedhorn array that will be a key component of an 8 pixel prototype 350 GHz SIS mixer array receiver prototype under construction at SAO. We have fabricated an array of smooth walled multiple flare angle feedhorns by direct drilling into a single block of aluminum. Testing of the feedhorns was carried out using a nearfield scanner and a vector network analyzer based on custom built transmitters and receivers and an HP vector voltmeter. The vector nearfield data is transformed to the farfield radiation pattern using Python code based on the NF2FF Matlab script[1].

Abstract:

The small size telescopes (SSTs), spread over an area of several square km, dominate the CTA sensitivity in the photon energy range from a few TeV to over 100 TeV, enabling for the detailed exploration of the very high energy gamma-ray sky. The proposed telescopes are innovative designs providing a wide field of view. Two of them, the ASTRI (Astrophysics con Specchi a Tecnologia Replicante Italiana) and the GCT (Gamma-ray Cherenkov Telescope) telescopes, are based on dual mirror Schwarzschild-Couder optics, with primary mirror diameters of 4 m. The third, SST-1M, is a Davies-Cotton design with a 4 m diameter mirror. Progress with the construction and testing of prototypes of these telescopes is presented. The SST cameras use silicon photomultipliers, with preamplifier and readout/trigger electronics designed to optimize the performance of these sensors for (atmospheric) Cherenkov light. The status of the camera developments is discussed. The SST sub-array will consist of about 70 telescopes at the CTA southern site. Current plans for the implementation of the array are presented.