BRAND

Objectives

The main objective of BRAND EVN (BRoad bAND EVN) is to develop and build a prototype broad-band digital receiver, which will cover a frequency range from 1.5 GHz to 15.5 GHz (1:10 range, chosen to include the 2 cm VLBA band). The BRAND frontend can be adapted to different EVN antennas. The backend part can also be used for other receivers with a RF frequency or IF range between 0-16 GHz. The BRAND receiver when deployed at a majority of EVN telescopes will:

• Open a range of new scientific opportunities like multi-wavelength: VLBI mapping, spectroscopy, polarimetry, and  single-dish, as well as geodetic VGOS (VLBI2010 Global Observing System) compatibility, due to its enormous simultaneous bandwidth.
• Catapult EVN to new levels of performance not achievable with any other astronomical VLBI network.
• Influence cost for maintenance and energy for cooling by replacing multiple VLBI receivers in the frequency range of 1.5-15 GHz.
• Increase the available observing time offered by EVN, as more than one frequency can be observed simultaneously.
• Offer even greater sensitivity, as the reduction in sensitivity of such a broad-band receiver compared to narrow-band receivers will be more than compensated by the enormous data-rate resulting from the wide bandwidth.
• Have an impact on the design of new telescopes, which could be optimized for a BRAND receiver, and would profit from a smaller number of required receivers.