DRAO Synthesis Telescope

The Synthesis Telescope (ST) at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is the premier telescope in the world for imaging of large-scale neutral hydrogen and polarized radio continuum emission at arcmin resolution. A seven-element radio interferometer, its most prominent achievement to date is the completion of the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS), which exploited the ST's excellent wide-field imaging capability in both the HI line and diffuse continuum imaging at 1420 MHz (Stokes I, Q, and U) and 408 MHz (Stokes I).  The wide field of view of its 8.6~m antennas, the complete coverage of the uv plane, and the excellent on- and off-axis polarization imaging capability provide a powerful and cost-effective niche for the instrument with capabilities that no other telescope can match.

DRAO and University partners have developed a new vision for the telescope as a forefront scientific instrument, an engineering testbed for new technologies, and a training ground for future Canadian and global radio engineers and astronomers. The renewed telescope will have nearly complete frequency coverage from 400-1800 MHz in Stokes I, Q, and U, with extensive and flexible spectral line zoom modes. This will enable a wide range of scientific applications to interstellar gas and magnetic fields in our own and nearby galaxies as well as precision characterization of cosmological foregrounds. The telescope will also demonstrate a two-octave single-pixel feed, a highly innovative correlator, and revolutionary digitization and clocking technology. The scientific and engineering development of the telescope will be a joint effort of DRAO, a national observatory, and University partners, with heavy student involvement.