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Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)

Logo of the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD)

The Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD) is an advanced radio telescope facility designed to further research in various fields of astrophysics. Building upon the success of the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), CHORD aims to provide unparalleled observational capabilities.

Instrumentation and Design

- Central Array: CHORD features a central array of 512 six-meter dishes. These dishes utilize advanced composite technology and are located at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia.

- VLBI Outrigger Stations: Additional 64-dish arrays will be installed at remote sites to enhance localization capabilities for fast radio bursts (FRBs).

- Ultra-Wideband Feeds: Custom-designed receivers and ultra-low-noise amplifiers will ensure a system temperature below 30K across a 300-1500 MHz bandwidth.

- Digital Signal Processing: The CHORD FX correlator will leverage state-of-the-art technologies to handle real-time data processing efficiently.

Scientific Goals

1. Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs): CHORD will significantly improve the localization of FRBs, providing precise coordinates for thousands of these events, which is crucial for understanding their origins and the properties of the intergalactic medium.

2. Cosmic Structure Mapping: The observatory will create the most detailed 3D map of the universe to date, enabling large-scale structure studies and revealing the evolution of cosmic matter from nearby regions to redshifts beyond 3.

3. Fundamental Physics: CHORD will explore new areas in fundamental physics, such as testing theories of gravity, detecting gravitational waves, and probing neutrino properties.

Collaborations and Impact

CHORD is a pan-Canadian initiative involving institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of Calgary, and the Perimeter Institute. It also maintains international collaborations with groups at MIT, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and Yale University. The project is expected to enhance Canada's leadership in radio astronomy, foster academic and industrial partnerships, and provide training opportunities for highly qualified personnel in advanced technologies.