Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Geolocation for Radio Interferometers

Radio frequency interference (RFI) from artificial transmissions is one of the biggest challenges present in radio astronomy (RA). There are several RFI mitigation methods in use and being investigated. Some of these methods such as RFI avoidance and nulling require signal localization. Known interferers provide their location and therefore can be localized at a given time. Unknown interferers present a challenge for RFI mitigation methods that require localization. RFI geolocation is the localization of unknown interferers relative to an array of antennas, in this case, a radio interferometer. We report on multiple direction of arrival (DOA) estimation methods currently being tested for RFI geolocation with radio interferometers.