Software Data-Processing Pipeline for Transient Detection

TL;DR

This paper discusses a software pipeline designed for transient detection in radio astronomy, focusing on pulsar and transient studies using low-frequency data from telescopes like MWA-LFD.

Contribution

It introduces a novel software data-processing pipeline tailored for transient detection in low-frequency radio telescope data.

Findings

Demonstrates effective transient detection with real low-frequency data.

Addresses challenges in high time resolution pulsar and transient studies.

Provides insights into detection strategies for phased-array radio telescopes.

Abstract

Although several existing and upcoming telescopes have imaging as their primary mode, they also have a sensitive phased-array mode with a multiple-beam forming capability enabling high time resolution studies of several types of objects, including pulsars. For example, the potentially wide coverage in frequency, combined with its collecting area, makes the MWA-LFD a unique instrument for low-frequency detection and studies of pulsars and transients. A software data-processing pipeline is being developed by the Raman Research Institute for this purpose. We describe the various issues relevant to the detection strategies, illustrated with real data at low radio frequencies.