DATE: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:37 +1100
SUBJECT: Possible ATNF bids for AAL's $10M


Dear ATNF users,

As I am sure you all know by now, AAL is seeking Expressions of  
Interest for projects to utilise the $10M Education Investment Fund  
grant it was awarded by DIISR.  AAL has $5M to award in FY2011-12 and  
FY2012-13 (all of which should be committed this year) for relatively  
low-risk projects that will enhance national astronomy infrastructure  
and capabilities. For more details, see the AAL website http://astronomyaustralia.org.au/EIF_EoI.html

Various groups within the Australian astronomy community are  
contemplating opportunities that could utilise these funds, and ATUC  
is seeking your feedback and suggestions to help prepare an AAL bid.  
The “ATNF Science Priorities: Science in 2010 – 2015” (http://www.atnf.csiro.au/observers/planning/priorities/ATNF_Science_Priorities_v2.pdf 
) lists a range of possible upgrade projects, some of which might fit  
well within the AAL investment plan.  Possible projects include:

1.    C/X component of the ATCA L/S+C/X upgrade

The ATCA has been upgraded with CABB in the mm bands, with the L/S  
update due for completion soon. However, the initial estimates of C/X  
band upgrades were out by a factor of two and additional funding (~ 
$1.5M) is now required to complete the C/X upgrade

2.    Moving the ATCA 6 km antenna onto the 3 km track

Relocation of the 6km antenna onto the 3 km track will improve the  
sensitivity of compact configurations, as well as single configuration  
image fidelity and mapping speed. We note, however, that the effect of  
such a move on other projects, particularly variables, needs to be  
considered carefully. The cost is estimated to be $1-2M. (Note that  
this can be reversible, but would require ongoing funds (~50-100K per  
move) and is not something ATNF would want to do every semester!)

3.    Extending the ATCA North-South baseline to ~400 m

Extension of the N-S track to ~400 m would provide higher resolution  
for millimetre studies and 2D snapshot images. The cost is estimated  
to be ~$1M.

4.    Ultra-wide bandpass correlator for Mopra

An ultra-wide digital filter bank spectrometer capable of processing  
spectral line data across the entire 3mm band, capable of measuring  
all the lines emitted from 68 – 116 GHz window simultaneously with a  
single receiver, in addition to being used with receivers for 7mm (30  
– 52 GHz) and 12mm (18 – 30 GHz) for complete coverage in these bands  
too. The estimated cost is ~$0.5M.

While many users would like to see Focal Plane Arrays and/or Multi- 
beam receivers on Mopra, such projects are most likely outside the  
scope (in terms of time and/or people power and/or money -  
specifically given ATNF’s ASKAP commitments) of the AAL funding.   
However, proper design studies of future instruments does fit within  
the EIF guidelines and could be considered.

These figures are only rough estimates and alternative scenarios need  
to be considered.  This is a serious consultation process and we will  
consider all your responses carefully. However time is very short as  
the EoI is due 10 December.  Please send your responses to smaddison@swin.edu.au 
  by Friday 27 November.

Cheers,
Sarah and the AT Users Committee.

-- 
Dr Sarah Maddison
Astrophysicist & SAO Coordinator
(visit http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/sao/)
Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing
Swinburne University of Technology
PO BOX 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122,  AUSTRALIA
t: 61-3-9214 5971
f: 61-3-9214 8797
e: smaddison@swin.edu.au
w: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/maddison/

2009 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY
The Universe Yours to Discover
http://www.astronomy2009.org/