The Submillimeter Array

The submillimeter array, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of Taiwan, is a pioneering radio-interferometer made up of eight 6-meter diameter antennas designed for high angular resolution astronomical observations of the cool universe throughout the major atmospheric windows from about 200 to 900 GHz. Each antenna houses a single cryostat, with an integrated cryocooler that can cool eight heterodyne receivers to 4 K. Four receiver bands are available: 180-250 GHz, 266-355 GHz, 320-420 GHz, and 600-700 GHz, and simultaneous observations are possible in any pair of high and low frequency receiver bands.