Sparse antenna array configurations in large aperture synthesis radio telescopes

This paper presents the trade-offs between sparse versus dense and regular versus irregular arrays for the station configuration of the LOFAR Low Band Antenna. The relation between these parameters and the element patterns, station beam patterns, effective area, receiver noise temperature, tapering opportunities and the Field of View (or beam width) are presented. A method is proposed and evaluated to suppress the peak grating lobe level in an aperture synthesis telescope consisting of regular sparse stations.