Brazilian Decimetric Array Workshop

A solar maximum is approaching and is expected to happen around 2011. Efforts are underway at INPE to develop the Brazilian Decimetric Array (BDA) to obtain high spatial and time resolution solar maps to investigate fundamental problems in solar physics and participate in the Brazilian Space Weather Programme. The BDA solar maps will help investigate solar events from their initiation on the sun and their impact on the earth, including their effects on space - and ground based technological systems. Also, BDA will be used for non-solar work. In this workshop, details of the planned development of the BDA will be discussed and scientific investigations proposed in the above mentioned areas will be presented. Invited talks will focus on radio interferometry, ongoing and future international efforts in the development of the largest radio interferometers for solar and non-solar investigations, and joint collaborative programs with BDA.

A team of Brazilian scientists motivated by Dr. H. S. Sawant, has been co-ordinating efforts to develop the BDA in collaboration with various national and international scientists, institutes and private companies, since 2001. The first phase of the 5-element array has been successfully completed.

The technology of various subsystems has been passed on to local industries. The 2nd phase of the BDA - with an addition of 21 antennas - is presently under development, to be completed by the middle of 2009. In collaboration with national and international companies and institutes, various subsystems are being developed.

A close interaction among the participants of the BDA project is important as they will be able to get familiarized with the systems that are being developed by other team members, which will facilitate interfacing of the subsystems and integration of the systems. The workshop is also an opportunity for the participants to get familiar with the ongoing development on the site, which will enable them to see whether their requirements for subsystem installation are fulfilled.

Every collaborator will present details of the subsystem developed and the interfaces required to integrate with other systems. In the 3rd phase of the project, the baselines will be extended to 2.5 x 1.25 km. Plans of the development of the third phase will be presented, and attempts will be made to incorporate suggestions given by the participants. The BDA Advisory Committee will participate in the workshop to examine the ongoing development of the various subsystems and prepare their report to be eventually submitted to the funding agencies.