MMA Memo Abstract Template
 

MMA Memo Abstract Template


# abstract.template -- MMA Memo Series Electronic Abstract Template
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# Comments are preceded by the "#" symbol.  Anything following a "#" is
# ignored.
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# The following entry is for internal use only.  Do not fill it in.
#Number:


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# Enter the MMA memo title in the following section
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#Title:
Automation of Imaging Simulations for Array Configurations using Classic AIPS


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# List the MMA memo authors in the order that they appear on the paper.
# Use a comma to separate the names of multiple authors.  List each author's
# affiliation in parenthesis following the name.
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#Authors:
Steven Heddle (UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory Edinburgh), Adrian Webster (Institute for Astronomy, Royal Observatory Edinburgh)
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# Enter the date that the memo was submitted in the format mm/dd/yy.
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#Date:
03/06/00

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# Enter a list of keywords which might be used to find this memo in an
# electronic search.  Multiple keywords should be separated by commas.
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#Keywords:
astronomical image processing, aips, ALMA

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# Enter a plain ASCII abstract between here and the #END symbol
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#Abstract:
Since the ALMA telescope will consist of about 60 antennas that may 
be deployed on 200 - 300 stations, the number of configurations to
be modelled is large, particularly if the array will be operated as a zoom 
telescope in which successive observing configurations differ only in
the position of one antenna. Since, moreover, the electromagnetic 
performance has to be modelled in snapshot and earth-rotation modes, 
and at a number of different declinations, modelling even a representative 
selection of the possible overall configurations constitutes an onerous and 
time-consuming task if it is not heavily automated. 
This Memo describes some progress that has been made
towards this end using straightforward shell scripts applied while
running Linux, with Classic AIPS as the core simulation tool.  
The scripts generate AIPS batch files for imaging
simulations automatically, by inputting key parameters on the command
line.  At present these are declination, wavelength, length of track,
and filename of antenna positions.  The results presented include uv
coverage, distribution of baselines, dirty beams and maps, and slices
through the dirty beam. The method and scripts are described here, 
and results from a hybrid composite zoom design are presented.  
The method allows standard, comparable sets of results to be obtained 
quickly and easily. 
#END