Radio Frequency Interference Measurements for a Radio Astronomy Observatory Site in Indonesia

Sitompul, Peberlin; Manik, Timbul; Batubara, Mario; Suhandi, Bambang

doi:10.3390/aerospace8020051

Cited by 11 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…They have identified potential locations in southeastern Indonesia where the sky and climate support astronomical observations [1]. Previous surveys have been performed for radio telescope development in a frequency range from low to 8 GHz [2,3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study for a Radio Telescope in Indonesia: Parabolic Design, Simulation of a Horn Antenna, and Radio Frequency Survey in Frequency of 0.045–18 GHz

Sitompul,

Razi,

Manik

et al. 2024

Aerospace

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After years of preparation, the Indonesia National Observatory, located in Mount Timau, Kupang Regency, is currently in the completion stage of research in astronomy and astrophysics and related subjects. An optic telescope with a 3.8 m diameter is expected to receive its first light in mid-2024. A feasibility study for Indonesia’s radio telescopes and networks is in progress. A single-dish parabolic radio antenna with a diameter of 20 m is proposed to work in a frequency range of 1–50 GHz. An array dipole antenna with an area of 100 m × 100 m will also be installed at a 70–350 MHz frequency. A feasibility study about system design is in progress, and a radio frequency interference (RFI) survey has been underway since 2014. In this paper, we described the design of radio telescopes such as parabolic reflectors, horn antenna, and the radio frequency interference (RFI) in the surrounding area of the National Observatory, covering the frequency band from 45 MHz to 18 GHz. The frequencies in 45–85 MHz and 120–360 MHz intervals are still relatively quiet and suitable for developing radio telescopes. The selected higher frequency of 1.4 GHz for a neutral hydrogen (HI) spectral line, 6.6 GHz for a methanol (CH3OH) spectral line, and 8.6 GHz for a helium (3 He+) spectral line is still relatively quiet and suitable for the development of radio telescopes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study for a Radio Telescope in Indonesia: Parabolic Design, Simulation of a Horn Antenna, and Radio Frequency Survey in Frequency of 0.045–18 GHz

Sitompul,

Razi,

Manik

et al. 2024

Aerospace

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…In this manner, astronomers can analyze a larger amount of data at several frequencies with respect to the narrow bands dedicated to the RAS. In the receiver design stage, or more generally in a radio telescope development, a trade-off needs to be found in order to have a wide bandwidth with the least number of unwanted signals [4][5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radio Frequency Interference Measurements to Determine the New Frequency Sub-Bands of the Coaxial L-P Cryogenic Receiver of the Sardinia Radio Telescope

Schirru,

Ladu,

Gaudiomonte

2023

Universe

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Radio frequency interference (RFI) represents all unwanted signals detected by radio receivers of a telescope. Unfortunately, the presence of RFI is significantly increasing with the technological development of wireless systems around the world. For this reason, RFI measurement campaigns are periodically necessary to map the RFI scenario around a telescope. The Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) is an Italian instrument that was designed to operate in a wide frequency band between 300 MHz and 116 GHz. One of the receivers of the telescope is a coaxial cryogenic receiver that covered a portion of the P and L bands (i.e., 305–410 MHz and 1300–1800 MHz) in its original version. Although the receiver was used for years to observe bright sources with sufficient results, its sub-bands can be redesigned considering the most recently evolved RFI scenario. In this paper, the results of a RFI measurement campaign are reported and discussed. On the basis of these results, the new sub-bands of the L-P receiver, together with the design of the new microwave filter selector block of the SRT receiver, are presented. In this way, SRT will cover up to 120 MHz and 460 MHz of −3 dB bandwidth at the P-band (290–410 MHz) and L-band (1320–1780 MHz), respectively. The bands of these filters are selected to reject the main RFI with high levels of amplitude and optimize the estimated antenna temperature and sensitivity of the receiver during the research activities, such as pulsar observations, very long baseline interferometer applications and spectroscopy science.

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“…As a passive observational device for radio astronomy, radio telescopes rely on high-sensitivity terminal equipment to receive radio signals from celestial bodies for scientific research. Therefore, the radio astronomy service is highly vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other active services, which may affect its inherent scientific observations [7]. In addition, to strictly control the electromagnetic environment around FAST, the local government has established a radio quiet zone (RQZ) centered on the FAST site, with a radius of 30 km.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Analysis and Verification of IMT-2000 Base Station Interference Characteristics in the FAST Radio Quiet Zone

Wang,

Zhao,

Yang

et al. 2023

Universe

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In this study, we aim to analyze the electromagnetic interference (EMI) regarding the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) caused by base stations in the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) frequency band. By analyzing the frequency bands used by the transmitting and receiving devices and the surrounding environmental parameters and utilizing an approach to predicting radio wave propagation loss that is based on deterministic methods, we conclude by comparing the predicted received power at the FAST with its interference protection threshold. Our analysis demonstrates that, currently, only 55.31% of IMT-2000 base stations in the FAST radio quiet zone (RQZ) meet the protection threshold. Additionally, this article verifies the applicability and accuracy of the radio wave propagation model used in the research based on field strength measurements. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for improving the electromagnetic environment surrounding FAST and reducing the EMI caused by mobile communication base stations. It also provides corresponding analysis methods and useful suggestions for analyzing electromagnetic radiation interference in other radio telescopes.

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Radio Frequency Interference Measurements for a Radio Astronomy Observatory Site in Indonesia

Cited by 11 publications

References 7 publications

A Study for a Radio Telescope in Indonesia: Parabolic Design, Simulation of a Horn Antenna, and Radio Frequency Survey in Frequency of 0.045–18 GHz

A Study for a Radio Telescope in Indonesia: Parabolic Design, Simulation of a Horn Antenna, and Radio Frequency Survey in Frequency of 0.045–18 GHz

Radio Frequency Interference Measurements to Determine the New Frequency Sub-Bands of the Coaxial L-P Cryogenic Receiver of the Sardinia Radio Telescope

The Analysis and Verification of IMT-2000 Base Station Interference Characteristics in the FAST Radio Quiet Zone

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