11,685 research outputs found
Estimates of unresolved point sources contribution to WMAP 5
We present an alternative estimate of the unresolved point source
contribution to the WMAP temperature power spectrum based on current knowledge
of sources from radio surveys in the 1.4-90 GHz range. We implement a
stochastic extrapolation of radio point sources in the NRAO-VLA Sky Survey
(NVSS) catalog, from the original 1.4 GHz to the ~ 100 GHz frequency range
relevant for CMB experiments. With a bootstrap approach, we generate an
ensemble of realizations that provides the probability distribution for the
flux of each NVSS source at the final frequency. The predicted source counts
agree with WMAP results for S > 1 Jy and the corresponding sky maps correlate
with WMAP observed maps in Q-, V- and W- bands, for sources with flux S > 0.2
Jy. The low-frequency radio surveys found a steeper frequency dependence for
sources just below the WMAP nominal threshold than the one estimated by the
WMAP team. This feature is present in our simulations and translates into a
shift of 0.3-0.4 \sigma in the estimated value of the tilt of the power
spectrum of scalar perturbation, n_s, as well as \omega_c. This approach
demonstrates the use of external point sources datasets for CMB data analysis.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, to be published on MNRA
Starlight Demonstration of the Dragonfly Instrument: an Integrated Photonic Pupil Remapping Interferometer for High Contrast Imaging
In the two decades since the first extra-solar planet was discovered, the
detection and characterization of extra-solar planets has become one of the key
endeavors in all of modern science. Recently direct detection techniques such
as interferometry or coronography have received growing attention because they
reveal the population of exoplanets inaccessible to Doppler or transit
techniques, and moreover they allow the faint signal from the planet itself to
be investigated. Next-generation stellar interferometers are increasingly
incorporating photonic technologies due to the increase in fidelity of the data
generated. Here, we report the design, construction and commissioning of a new
high contrast imager; the integrated pupil-remapping interferometer; an
instrument we expect will find application in the detection of young faint
companions in the nearest star-forming regions. The laboratory characterisation
of the instrument demonstrated high visibility fringes on all interferometer
baselines in addition to stable closure phase signals. We also report the first
successful on-sky experiments with the prototype instrument at the 3.9-m
Anglo-Australian Telescope. Performance metrics recovered were consistent with
ideal device behaviour after accounting for expected levels of decoherence and
signal loss from the uncompensated seeing. The prospect of complete
Fourier-coverage coupled with the current performance metrics means that this
photonically-enhanced instrument is well positioned to contribute to the
science of high contrast companions.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, accepted to Mon. Not. of Roy. Ast. Soc., 201
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