Low Noise Tile development for radio astronomy application

Aperture array technology is one of the possible technologies for the mid frequency range of the SKA, from 500 to 1500 MHz. Showing 50 K system noise temperature in the 1–1.5 GHz frequency range, aperture arrays have proven to be a feasible option for the SKA, but further lowering of the array noise temperature down to 40 K is essential to achieve the SKA sensitivity requirement at affordable cost. The aim of our LNT (Low Noise Tile) project is to improve the array sensitivity using commercially available devices and to extend the frequency range down to 500 MHz.