24–28 Nov 2025
Bologna, Area della Ricerca del CNR
Europe/Rome timezone

Advancing Polarization Calibration in LOFAR Beamformed Data: A Stepping Stone to SKA Low

27 Nov 2025, 17:00
15m
Centro Congressi (Bologna, Area della Ricerca del CNR )

Centro Congressi

Bologna, Area della Ricerca del CNR

Via P. Gobetti 101

Speaker

Caterina Tiburzi (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

Description

The LOFAR interferometer, operating across 10–240 MHz, is among the most advanced precursors to SKA Low, paving the way for next-generation low-frequency radio astronomy. LOFAR’s beamformed mode enables diverse science cases -- such as pulsars, Solar and transient studies. However, polarization analysis in beamformed mode has remained largely out of reach due to the absence of a reliable polarization calibration framework.

In this talk, I will present our cutting-edge polarization calibration scheme tailored specifically for LOFAR’s beamformed mode. This work faces a number of calibration challenges, and indicates the pitfalls of the currently-used beam model, but also serves as a stepping stone towards the robust polarization calibration needed to unlock the revolutionary capabilities of SKA Low.

Topics Technology & IT

Author

Caterina Tiburzi (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

Co-authors

Dr Maaijke Mevius (ASTRON) Dr Willem van Straten (Manly Astrophysics)

Presentation materials