Antennas for low-frequency radio telescope of SKA

TL;DR

This paper reviews various broadband antennas suitable for the SKA low-frequency radio telescope, focusing on their design considerations and suitability for scientific objectives in the 50-350 MHz range.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of antenna designs considered for SKA's low-frequency array, highlighting their features and suitability for scientific goals.

Findings

Identifies key antenna designs for SKA low-frequency array.

Analyzes antenna performance parameters relevant to SKA.

Summarizes suitability of antennas for scientific objectives.

Abstract

The low-frequency radio telescope of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is being built by the international radio astronomical community to (i) have orders of magnitude higher sensitivity and (ii) be able to map the sky several hundred times faster, than any other existing facilities over the frequency range of 50 - 350 MHz. The sensitivity of a radio telescope array is in general, dependent upon the number of electromagnetic sensors used to receive the sky signal. The total number of them is further constrained by the effects of mutual coupling between the sensor elements, allowable grating lobes in their radiation patterns, etc. The operating frequency band is governed by the desired spatial and spectral responses, acceptable sidelobe and backlobe levels, radiation efficiency, polarization purity and calibratability of sensors' response. This paper presents a brief review of several broadband antennas considered as potential candidates by various engineering groups across the globe, for the low-frequency radio telescope of SKA covering the frequency range of 50 - 350 MHz, on the basis of their suitability for conducting primary scientific objectives.