The Very Small Array - status report

Abstract

We are contructing an interferometric telescope, the Very Small Array, to study the cosmic microwave background on angular scales 0.2--4.5 degrees. The physical layout and electronic design of the telescope are optimised to give maximum protection from systematic effects, while still providing sufficient sensitivity to make high signal-to-noise images. A prototype single baseline is currently being tested, with scientific results expected during 2000.

4 pages, 3 figures. To be published in proceedings of the 33rd Rencontres de Moriond, Fundamental Parameters in Cosmology