Real-time searches for fast transients with Apertif and LOFAR

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and commissioning of ARTS, a real-time backend system for Apertif on WSRT, enabling fast transient detection, localization, and follow-up of FRBs with LOFAR.

Contribution

It introduces ARTS, a novel real-time system for detecting and localizing fast radio transients with Apertif, enhancing capabilities for FRB research.

Findings

Apertif's increased field of view improves transient survey efficiency.

ARTS can localize FRBs to about 1/2600 of the field of view.

The system enables real-time follow-up with LOFAR for precise localization.

Abstract

With the installation of a new phased array system called Apertif, the instantaneous field of view of the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) has increased to 8.7$\,$deg$^2$. This system has turned the WSRT in to an highly effective telescope to conduct Fast Radio Burst (FRB) and pulsar surveys. To exploit this advantage, an advanced and real-time backend, called the Apertif Radio Transient System (ARTS), is being developed and commissioned at the WSRT. In addition to the real-time detection of FRBs, ARTS will localize the events to about 1/2600 of the field of view --- essential information for identifying the nature of FRBs. ARTS will also trigger real-time follow up with LOFAR of newly detected FRBs, to achieve localization at arcsecond precision. We review the upcoming time-domain surveys with Apertif, and present the current status of the ongoing commissioning of the time domain capabilities of Apertif.