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Paper: Spectral Line On-The-Fly Mapping at the SMTO
Volume: 217, Imaging at Radio Through Submillimeter Wavelengths
Page: 203
Authors: Muders, D.; Peters, W. L.; Butner, H. M.; Gensheimer, P. D.; Wilson, T. L.; Uchida, K. I.; Kramer, C.; Tieftrunk, A. R.
Abstract: We present an overview and first results of the recently implemented Spectral Line On-The-Fly (OTF) mapping technique at the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory (SMTO). OTF mapping is much more efficient than traditional raster mapping since it avoids much of the usual overhead due to telescope movement and initializations. The OTF technique facilitates fast imaging of large regions. OTF is therefore a desirable observing mode for any radio telescope. At the SMTO, the gain in efficiency is about 30 to 40% depending on the size of the map. OTF mapping was implemented at the SMTO via an easy-to-use single command with a syntax very similar to the existing raster mapping modes. The spectra are calibrated immediately; individual spectra can be directly accessed by the observer. This provides feedback via almost instantaneous display of the details of the maps. After its implementation in December 1998, OTF mapping was used for several projects at frequencies up to 806 GHz (CO 7--6) using the new CfA Hot-Electron Bolometric Receiver. We will show maps of the ongoing scientific programs covering star formation, outflow dynamics, H ii regions and the chemistry, ionization and structure of the interstellar medium.
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