Abstract: Observations of redshifted 21-cm emission of neutral hydrogen are a rapidly growing area of cosmology research. I will describe a new experiment, PRIZM, that is designed to study cosmic dawn by observing globally averaged 21-cm emission in a frequency range of 50-150 MHz. The instrument consists of two modified four-square antennas and a dual-polarization spectrometer back end. PRIZM deployed in April 2017 to Marion Island, an exceptionally isolated and radio-quiet location in the sub-Antarctic, and the second year of science observations are currently in progress. I will discuss the current status of PRIZM, our assessment of the RFI environment on Marion Island, lessons learned in surviving the Roaring Forties, and plans for upcoming deployments.
Searching for cosmic dawn from the sub-Antarctic with PRIZM
Hsin Cynthia Chang (McGill University) // November 15, 2018
Abstract: Observations of redshifted 21-cm emission of neutral hydrogen are a rapidly growing area of cosmology research. I will describe a new experiment, PRIZM, that is designed to study cosmic dawn by observing globally averaged 21-cm emission in a frequency range of 50-150 MHz. The instrument consists of two modified four-square antennas and a dual-polarization spectrometer back end. PRIZM deployed in April 2017 to Marion Island, an exceptionally isolated and radio-quiet location in the sub-Antarctic, and the second year of science observations are currently in progress. I will discuss the current status of PRIZM, our assessment of the RFI environment on Marion Island, lessons learned in surviving the Roaring Forties, and plans for upcoming deployments.