Hello CASPERites, We have just been funded for a one initial year study of wideband digital architectures and technologies which might in the future replace the present ALMA correlator with a next generation combined correlator and phased array digital back end. Appended to this message is a short abstract from the study proposal. An international team of senior collaborators contribute work part time on the project, with two in-person team meetings scheduled. There is also funding for a one year full time contributor to play a central role in the study in the form of a postdoctoral fellowship. The position is in the DSP group at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory a.k.a. the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, in Cambridge, MA, and pays a standard stipend of US $60k p.a. plus the full cost of individual or family health insurance.
We have a standard long form process for recruiting postdocs, however given the timing of the funding notification, the specialized nature of the study, and the one year term of the post doc, I thought it worthwhile to post informally here first. Perhaps a one year funded sabbatical is of interest to someone with the necessary skills and background? Which should include some algorithm and DSP background, and could but need not include specialist correlator design. An interest in the field and ability to catch on quick is sufficient—there is opportunity to learn on the job. While a post doc is the baseline, there is a way to fund registered graduate students at other universities for a predoc position (slightly less generous stipend). If you have interest, please send me an informal note, and we can explore in more detail. Thanks very much. Jonathan Weintroub =================================== Summary We have assembled an expert international team to study the applicability of new algorithms and technologies to an upgrade of the ALMA radiotelescope’s digital processing systems, in particular the correlator and the phased array. The technologies used in the present ALMA correlator are a decade old. It is possible with current and projected technology to improve bandwidth and spectral resolution; to reduce size and power consumption (probably overall, and dramatically proportional to performance). Other features may also be added; for example while phased array summing and fast recording for VLBI and pulsar work has been proven through the addition of equipment developed by the ALMA Phasing Project (APP), any future ALMA digital back end should combine the correlation, phased array and recording functions natively. Our study will examine the various ways the ALMA correlator might be upgraded as a next generation instrument, the technologies, algorithms, costs and timelines, balanced against the benefits.
