Arecibo focal phased array feasibility study and instrument concept design

We are developing the next generation instrumentation for the Arecibo radiotelescope, consisting of an L-band focal phased array feed (PAF) with an effective field of view (FOV) of approx 20 arcmin in diameter. In 2010 and in part of 2011, as part of this development, we made a feasibility study to address two issues, in particular, necessary to implement this technology: first, to determine the available FOV of a PAF system with the Arecibo shaped optics, and second, the development of a suitable cryogenic concept with the potential of reaching a receiver temperature of 35K. We are presenting the results of this feasibility study and the system concept design of the Arecibo cryogenic phased array feed (AO-PAF).