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Early Reionization Science from 21 cm Experiments and the Path Towards a New Cosmological Probe

Abstract: 21 cm cosmology — the concept of using radio telescopes to observe the highly redshifted 21 cm line of neutral hydrogen on cosmological scales — is a field on the verge of a breakthrough.   The technique is faced with the significant challenge of recovering a very faint signal behind a sea of foreground emission nearly five orders of magnitude stronger.  However, the first generation of 21 cm cosmology experiments targeting observations of the Epoch of Reionization (LOFAR, MWA, and PAPER, among others) have been operating for several years, and first results at the level of design sensitivity are potentially forthcoming.  In this talk, I will present an overview of several techniques that have led to the best current experimental results, as well as the implications for reionization science based on early results from PAPER and the MWA.  I will also present our latest research directions and new instrumental developments that will pave the path to higher sensitivity measurements and precise characterization of the 21 cm signal.

Cody Hall

Jonathan Pober (Brown University)

June 10, 2016
14:00 - 15:00