ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: Multi-Field Imaging with the Very Large Array
Volume: 217, Imaging at Radio Through Submillimeter Wavelengths
Page: 251
Authors: Wiseman, J. J.
Abstract: The NRAO Very Large Array (The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.) has become an effective instrument for mapping large sources through mosaicing of multiple adjacent fields. I will present exemplary VLA mosaics of supernova remnants, the Galactic Center, HI in galaxies, and complex structures of molecular gas in local star forming regions. Several different mosaicing methods have been used including linear combinations of ``dirty'' or separately deconvolved images as well as non-linear joint deconvolution of multiple pointings using Maximum Entropy Methods (MEM). I will discuss technical challenges that have been encountered at the VLA such as the accurate addition of single-dish flux, the problem of bright point sources in the field, differing right and left polarization offsets, and the special challenges of spectral line studies. I will also discuss the current software capabilities and limitations for mosaicing encountered in AIPS and the substantial enhancement of mosaicing features, especially for spectral line modes, in development for AIPS++.
Back to Volume