ARC - ALMA REGIONAL CENTER

Representative: J. Brand (for full listing of IRA Scientists and Collaborators involved, see link below).

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is presently under construction at the Llano de Chajnantor (5000 m elevation) in Northern Chile, and is planned to start operations in 2010. The philosophy is that any astronomer should be able to carry out observations with the array, regardless of previous experience with mm-interferometry. Extensive user support is thus essential, and will be provided by the so-called ALMA Regional Centers (ARCs), one of which is being set up by each of the project partners (EU, US, Japan). In Europe ESO will occupy itself with the primary support tasks, from proposal preparation to delivery of (pipeline-) calibrated data products. Further user support (see below) will be provided by a network of 6 national support nodes, also known as "ARClets".

The IRA has agreed to host the Italian node, at the request of and financed by INAF. The ARClet will provide face-to-face support on scientific and technical matters to users of the Italian and international community. In particular, its tasks are to help ALMA users with calibration and advanced data reduction, and to develop algorithms and specific procedures. Although the nodes of the network will closely collaborate, each node has selected an expertise on which it is expected to provide support in a specific area. The Italian ARC intends to specialize in the development of mosaicing techniques and the treatment of polarization data. In addition it will explore GRID-technology to optimize the resources of the various nodes.

The ARC will also stimulate use of ALMA among the Italian community, through the organization of schools and workshops, and by helping to define nation-wide scientific projects of common interest.

In order to be able to fullfill these tasks, the ARClet requires the presence of staff with experience in mm-astronomy, interferometric data reduction techniques, and software. These tasks should be carried out by personnel on long-term contracts to ensure continuity in the operations. Furthermore, large data-storage capacity (ca. 100 Tb) and adequate computer power are also necessary.

At present, one post-doc is working for the ARClet, participating in the testing of the pipeline data reduction software package (CASA). The original plan foresees that once ALMA is operational the ARClet will have 4 post-docs, 1 system manager, and 1 FTE provided by the IRA scientific staff. The ARC is planned to be active for at least 10 years after the start of ALMA observations.

For further information: http://www.alma.inaf.it