VLBA2010 Program

In 2003, the Directors of NRAO and MIT Haystack Observatory convened the "VLBI Future Committee" to consider the scientific future and development opportunities in VLBI. The report of this Committee, entitled "Mapping the Future of VLBI Science in the U.S." was accepted in August, 2004 by the Directors of MIT Haystack Observatory and NRAO.

NRAO and its collaborators have been working to achieve the recommendations of the VLBI Future Committee, as funding permits. In particular, we have initiated a VLBA Sensitivity Upgrade Program that responds to a number of the committee recommendations; technical details of this program may be found in the VLBA Sensitivity Upgrade Memo Series.

Key technical recommendations of the VLBI Future Report, and their status:

Phase 1
• Migrate to disk-based recording. Completed in 2006
• Subreflector and polarizer modifications for 86 GHz. On hold
• 22 and 43 GHz receiver enhancements. 22 GHz completed
• Investigation of water vapor radiometers and dual-frequency observations. On hold
• Increase student community. Added VLBA to NRAO student stipend program
• Improve software. Some astrometry improvements made
Phase 2
• Increase data rate to 4-16 Gbit/s. 4 Gbit/s in progress
• Replace correlator with EVLA WIDAR correlator. Software correlator (DiFX) implemented
• Convert VLBA receivers to EVLA-like broad bands. Initial designs in progress
• Implement VLBI at millimeter wavelengths. Being pursued by MIT Haystack
Phase 3
• 64 Gbit/s, real time, toward SKA. Pending

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