Design of PHAROS2 Phased Array Feed

PHAROS2, a cryogenically cooled Phased Array Feed (PAF) with digital beamforming capabilities, represents a significant advancement in radio astronomy technology. Designed to synthesize four independent single-polarization beams using 24 Vivaldi antennas, PHAROS2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, PHAROS. Key innovations include the integration of commercial cryogenic Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), a warm section for signal processing and downconversion, and an analog Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber-optic link for Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal transportation. The FPGA-based Italian Tile Processing Module (iTPM) digital backend further enhances its functionality. PHAROS2 is set to be mounted at the primary focus of the 76-meter diameter Lovell radio telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK, for technical and scientific validation, marking a crucial step towards improving the capabilities of large reflector telescopes in radio astronomy.

Navarrini, A., Monari, J., Scalambra, A., Melis, A., Concu, R., Naldi, G., Maccaferri, A., Cattani, A., Ortu, P., Roda, J., Perini, F., Comoretto, G., Morsiani, M., Ladu, A., Rusticelli, S., Mattana, A., Marongiu, P., Saba, A., Schiaffino, M., et al. (2018). Design of PHAROS2 Phased Array Feed. 2018 2nd URSI Atlantic Radio Science Meeting (AT-RASC). https://doi.org/10.23919/ursi-at-rasc.2018.8471305