The Use of Planar Feeds for Solar Radio Observations

Abstract

We describe the results of test observations obtained with a 5-m single-dish radiotelescope (RT5) using novel planar feeds designed to detect circularly polarized emission in the 1.5 -3.9 GHz band. The beam of such feeds is wide; nevertheless, solar scans have been successfully done using feeds at the focus of the primary mirror of the RT5. The sensitivity is about 1 sfu at each polarization and about 1.4 sfu at the I Stokes parameter. We estimate that it is possible to detect flares with fluxes above 5 sfu at the I Stokes parameter.

New Eyes Looking at Solar Activity: Challenges for Theory and Simulations – Placing It into Context

“…In this Topical Issue, Mendoza-Torres et al (2015) describe the results from test observations with a 5-m radio telescope that uses novel planar feeds, designed to detect circularly polarized emission in microwaves. Planar feeds are based on microstrip technology, which is cheap, light, and simple for manufacturing.…”