Prototype
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To establish a proof of concept and validate the observational strategy that underlies the COSMOCal project, we designed and assembled a prototype instrument designed to operate within the atmospheric window centered at 260 GHz.
The image on the left details the main components :
A radio frequency chain that generates a monochromatic signal at 260 GHz and directs it through a waveguide to a conical horn.
A metal grid polarizer that sets the polarization orientation.
An optical laser to create a diffraction pattern used to measure the orientation of the wires, and thereby the orientation of the signal polarization.
The CDD camera is used to image the diffraction pattern and ground landmarks to determine the 3D position and orientation of the COSMOCal source by photogrammetry.
Integrated instrument in the laboratory
Integrated instrument in the laboratory
In-lab characterization and first campaign
The master thesis of Ludovico Bizzarri and our team publication (Ritacco et al 2024) provide a detailed presentation of this prototype instrument and its laboratory characterization at LPSC in Grenoble in February 2024. End of September 2024, we carried out a first campaign of tests at the IRAM 30m with the NIKA2 camera. The prototype source was installed on Pico Veleta a few km from the telescope. The measurements were successful. The analysis of the data was carried out by Sofia Savoragno, PhD student at LPSC, who presented a detailed report in her dissertation.
Laboratory tests at LPSC Feb. 2024
Tests campaign at the IRAM 30m telescope, Oct. 2024
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