Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy

In this second edition of Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy, three leading figures in the development of large imaging arrays, including very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), describe and explain the technology that provides images of the universe with an angular resolution as fine as 1/20,000 of an arcsecond.

This comprehensive volume begins with a historical review followed by detailed coverage of the theory of interferometry and synthesis imaging, analysis of interferometer response, geometrical relationships, polarimetry, antennas, and arrays. Discussion of the receiving system continues with analysis of the response to signals and noise, analog design requirements, and digital signal processing. The authors detail special requirements of VLBI including atomic frequency standards, broadband recording systems, and antennas in orbit. Further major topics include:

• Calibration of data and synthesis of images
• Image enhancement using nonlinear algorithms
• Techniques for astrometry and geodesy
• Propagation in the neutral atmosphere and ionized media
• Radio interference
• Related techniques: intensity interferometry, moon occultations, antenna holography, and optical interferometry

”This edition meets current demands by providing a comprehensive account of the techniques used today.“ (La Doc STI)

[…] The up-to-date edition of Thompson [...] with its exhaustive bibliography, becomes the indispensable source of background for those already in, or considering, radio astronomy.“ (The Observatory)

A.Richard Thompson, PhD, has been associated with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in numerous capacities for more than 27 years.

James M. Moran, PhD, is a senior scientist at the Smith-sonian Astrophysical Observatory and Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University.

George W. Swenson, Jr., PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering and of Astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.