Radio path length correction using water vapour radiometry

Abstract

Path length changes through the atmosphere cause significant errors for astronomical radio interferometry at high frequencies (e.g. 100 GHz). Path length differences typically give rise to a differential excess path of 1mm for antennas separated by 1km, and have fluctuation time scales of greater than 10 seconds. To measure these fluctuations, we are building a four-channel radiometer centred on the 22 GHz water line. By sensing the water vapour emission, the excess path can be deduced and corrected. Multiple channels give us robustness against various systematic errors, but gain stability of the radiometer of 1 pair in 10^4 is still required.