Description
Book SynopsisThis book is open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.
The third edition of this indispensable book in radio interferometry provides extensive updates to the second edition, including results and technical advances from the past decade; discussion of arrays that now span the full range of the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum observable from the ground, 10 MHz to 1 THz; an analysis of factors that affect array speed; and an expanded discussion of digital signal-processing techniques and of scintillation phenomena and the effects of atmospheric water vapor on image distortion, among many other topics.
With its comprehensiveness and detailed exposition of all aspects of the theory and practice of radio interferometry and synthesis imaging, this book has established itself as a standard reference in the field. It begins with an overview of the basic principles of radio astronomy, a short history of the development of radio interferometry, and an elementary discussion of the operation of an interferometer. From this foundation, it delves into the underlying relationships of interferometry, sets forth the coordinate systems and parameters to describe synthesis imaging, and examines configurations of antennas for multielement synthesis arrays. Various aspects of the design and response of receiving systems are discussed, as well as the special requirements of very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), image reconstruction, and recent developments in image enhancement techniques and astrometric observations. Also discussed are propagation effects in the media between the source and the observer, and radio interference, factors that limit performance. Related techniques are introduced, including intensity interferometry, optical interferometry, lunar occultations, tracking of satellites in Earth orbit, interferometry for remote Earth sensing, and holographic measurements of antenna surfaces.
This book will benefit anyone who is interested in radio interferometry techniques for astronomy, astrometry, geodesy, or electrical engineering.
Trade Review“The authors of the book under review here to present a comprehensive discussion of the principles and applications of ‘Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy.’ … the book delivers a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of interferometry and synthesis in a lucid and flowing tale that is a pleasure to read. The historical notes that are scattered throughout the text add flavor to the reading. … For all working in this field, the book is invaluable.” (Jacob W. M. Baars, The Radio Science Bulletin, Issue 361, June, 2017)
Table of ContentsPreface.- Introduction and Historical Review.- Introductory Theory of Interferometry and Synthesis Imaging.- Analysis of the Interferometer Response.- Geometric Relationships and Polarimetry.- Antennas and Arrays.- Response of the Receiving System.- Design of the Analog Receiving System.- Digital Signal Processing.- Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry.- Calibration and Fourier Transformation of Visibility Data.- Deconvolution, Adaptive Calibration and Applications.- Interferometer Techniques for Astrometry and Geodesy.- Propagation Effects.- Van Cittert-Zernike Theorem, Spatial Coherence and Scattering.- Radio Interference.- Related Techniques.- Principal Symbols.- Index.
