A 1.4 GHz radio continuum and polarization survey at medium Galactic latitudes: I. Observation and reduction technique

TL;DR

This paper details the observation and data reduction techniques used in a 1.4 GHz radio continuum and polarization survey of medium Galactic latitudes, producing calibrated maps with high sensitivity and resolution.

Contribution

It introduces a new observational and reduction methodology for radio surveys that ensures absolute calibration of total intensity and polarization maps.

Findings

Achieved a sensitivity of 15 mK TB in total intensity

Achieved a sensitivity of 8 mK TB in linear polarization

Produced absolutely calibrated maps with 9.35 arcminute resolution

Abstract

A radio continuum survey at medium Galactic latitudes with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope is being carried out at a centre frequency of 1.4 GHz in total power and linear polarization. Areas up to +/- 20 degree of Galactic latitude are now being observed at a sensitivity of 15 mK TB total intensity and 8 mK TB in linear polarization with an angular resolution of 9'35. This paper describes the observing and reduction technique applied which results in absolutely calibrated maps. The methods are illustrated by examples of images from the survey.