Single Dish Radio Astronomy Inefficiencies

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In summary, the cause of inefficiencies in single dish radio astronomy is related to the efficiency of the dish itself. The effective area of the dish is less than its total area due to the difficulty of illuminating the dish uniformly. This leads to wasted energy at the edges of the dish. Additionally, the feed and its mounting also block some of the signal, but this can be improved with an offset feed dish. The use of a Cassegrain feed may also increase efficiency.
  • #1
Sanjay87
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Hi,

What is the cause of inefficiencies in single dish radio astronomy? I think it's related to the efficiency of the dish itself ...that the effective area of the dish is less than its total area. Is that right? If so, why is that the case?

Thanks,
San
 
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  • #2
It is easier to think of a dish transmitting a signal rather than receiving one but the theory is that same.

The effective area is less than the theoretical because it is imposible to illuminate the dish uniformly. You want the same Watts/sq cm over the entire reflector surface and it to fall to zero at the edges. It can't be done. It won't be uniform and either energy from the feed extends beyond the edge where it is wasted or the dish is under-illuminated..not much energy near the edge.

I might be easy to consider a light source and parabolic mirror.

Also the feed itself and its mounting (horn for high frequencies or 2 or 3 element yagi for lower frequencies (like TV Aerial)) blocks some of the signal. This can be eliminated by using an offset feed dish which is the case in most domestic satellite TV dishes.

http://www.qsl.net/n1bwt/chap5.pdf

Cassegrain feed may be a bit more efficient..not sure.


http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/antennas/parabolic/parabolic_reflector.php
 

Related to Single Dish Radio Astronomy Inefficiencies

1. What are single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies?

Single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies refer to the limitations and imperfections in the data collection process of single dish radio telescopes. These inefficiencies can arise due to factors such as atmospheric effects, instrumental noise, and human error.

2. How do single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies affect data analysis?

Single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies can introduce errors and distortions in the collected data, making it more challenging to accurately analyze and interpret the data. These inefficiencies can also limit the sensitivity and resolution of the data, affecting the quality of the results.

3. Can single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies be corrected?

Yes, single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies can be corrected through various techniques such as calibration, data processing, and statistical analysis. However, it is essential to minimize these inefficiencies as much as possible during the data collection stage to ensure more accurate and reliable results.

4. How do scientists account for single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies?

Scientists account for single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies by understanding the sources of these inefficiencies and implementing methods to correct and minimize their impact on the data. This can involve using advanced calibration techniques, performing quality checks on the data, and incorporating statistical analysis to account for any remaining inefficiencies.

5. Are there any advancements in technology that can reduce single dish radio astronomy inefficiencies?

Yes, advancements in technology have led to the development of more sophisticated and advanced single dish radio telescopes, which can reduce inefficiencies and improve the quality of data collection. Additionally, new data processing and analysis techniques have also been developed to handle and correct for inefficiencies in single dish radio astronomy.

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