Over-resolution of compact sources in interferometric observations

TL;DR

This paper discusses the limits of resolving extremely compact sources with interferometers, introducing methods to estimate source size and the potential of future arrays like SKA to achieve micro-arcsecond resolution.

Contribution

It presents a hypothesis testing approach for setting upper limits on source size and estimates the maximum over-resolution power of interferometers based on observational parameters.

Findings

A hypothesis test can set strong upper limits on source size.

The maximum over-resolution depends on observation time, array configuration, and sensitivity.

Future arrays like SKA could resolve sources at micro-arcsecond scales.

Abstract

We review the effects of source size in interferometric observations and focus on the cases of very compact sources. If a source is extremely compact and/or weak (so it is not possible to detect signature of source structure in the visibilities) we describe a test of hypothesis that can be used to set a strong upper limit to the size of the source. We also estimate the minimum possible size of a source whose structure can still be detected by an interferometer (i.e., the maximum theoretical over-resolution power of an interferometer), which depends on the overall observing time, the compactness in the array distribution, and the sensitivity of the receivers. As a result, and depending on the observing frequency, the over-resolution power of forthcoming ultra-sensitive arrays, like the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), may allow us to study details of sources at angular scales down to a few micro-as.