This award supports a feasibility study of a Bolometric Array Receiver for Measurements of Polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation. This instrument would search for polarization at millimeter wavelengths using a bolometer array that will simultaneously observe 40 pixels on the sky in two orthogonal directions of linear polarization. The receiver would be mounted on a 1.5m telescope sited at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, a location that combines superb observing conditions with a cheap, convenient location that has good existing support facilities. The instrument would be optimized to observe at frequencies of 100 to 220 GHz to allow the tiny polarized signal to be distinguished from astrophysical foregrounds. This instrument would allow a precise measurement of the power spectrum of polarization modes over an l-range of 50 to 1000. ***

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9987360
Program Officer
G. W. Van Citters
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2000-08-15
Budget End
2002-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
$100,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Palo Alto
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94304