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CosmicWeb-21cm array: A New Radio Observation Array Design for 21cm Cosmology

Jiancheng Wang, Jirong Mao, Xiangming Cheng, Yigong Zhang, Jie Su, Xiaogu Zhong, Min Wang, Zhigang Zhang, Qingwei Wang, Yonghua Xu, Zhixuan Li, Longhua Qin, Zhengjun Zhang

Abstract

This paper presents the CosmicWeb-21cm array, a novel radio interferometer designed to overcome the key challenges in 21 cm cosmology. Its core innovations include: (1) a multi-scale nested geometry combining a hexagonal core with logarithmic spiral arms for excellent UV coverage and calibration robustness; (2) an intelligent non-uniform frequency sampling strategy that adapts resolution to foreground and signal characteristics, reducing data volume while preserving information; and (3) a machine-learning-enhanced, physics-informed processing pipeline that achieves 99.7\% foreground removal efficiency; (4) a dual-polarization crossed dipole integrated with a dielectric lens and cryogenically cooled LNA, achieving stable beam patterns and low noise temperature ($<35$ K) across 50-250 MHz. These co-designed advances enable high sensitivity mapping of the Epoch of Reionization, dark energy constraints and cosmic-web structure.

CosmicWeb-21cm array: A New Radio Observation Array Design for 21cm Cosmology

Abstract

This paper presents the CosmicWeb-21cm array, a novel radio interferometer designed to overcome the key challenges in 21 cm cosmology. Its core innovations include: (1) a multi-scale nested geometry combining a hexagonal core with logarithmic spiral arms for excellent UV coverage and calibration robustness; (2) an intelligent non-uniform frequency sampling strategy that adapts resolution to foreground and signal characteristics, reducing data volume while preserving information; and (3) a machine-learning-enhanced, physics-informed processing pipeline that achieves 99.7\% foreground removal efficiency; (4) a dual-polarization crossed dipole integrated with a dielectric lens and cryogenically cooled LNA, achieving stable beam patterns and low noise temperature ( K) across 50-250 MHz. These co-designed advances enable high sensitivity mapping of the Epoch of Reionization, dark energy constraints and cosmic-web structure.
Paper Structure (67 sections, 13 equations, 5 figures, 3 tables)

This paper contains 67 sections, 13 equations, 5 figures, 3 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Design Ideas and Core Innovations
  3. Foundational Design Ideas
  4. Core Technical Innovations
  5. Synergistic Integration of Innovations
  6. Comparison with State-of-the-Art Arrays
  7. Array Geometry Design
  8. Hexagonal Honeycomb Core
  9. Logarithmic Spiral Extension Arms
  10. Array Layout and UV Coverage
  11. Frequency Sampling Strategy
  12. Non-Uniform Sampling Based on Foreground Eigenmode Analysis
  13. Orthogonal Frequency Encoding for Blind Source Separation
  14. Frequency Grouping and Parallel Processing
  15. Adaptive Frequency Management
  16. ...and 52 more sections

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Schematic layout of the proposed CosmicWeb-21cm interferometric array. The red dots represent the hexagonal core stations. The blue dots denote the logarithmic spiral arm extension stations. The central station is marked with a gold star. The zoomed plot on the right illustrates a hexagonal layout of core stations. The geometry combines dense, uniform short baselines (core) with logarithmically spaced long baselines (arms).
  • Figure 2: UV coverage of the CosmicWeb-21cm array with a total of 31,878 baselines, where the coverage ratio reaches 99.2%. The symmetric and dense distribution is crucial for high-fidelity sky image reconstruction and power spectrum estimation.
  • Figure 3: Structural configuration of the CosmicWeb-21cm Hybrid Broadband Dipole antenna. The design incorporates curved dipole elements, a 4 $\text{m}^2$ ground screen, and dielectric lens for enhanced performance across 50 - 250 MHz. Panels show (a) 3D rendering, (b) top view, (c) side elevation, and (d) detailed cross-section with cryogenic LNA integration.
  • Figure 4: Electromagnetic performance characterization: (a) VSWR demonstrating broadband impedance matching, (b) gain and beamwidth frequency response, (c) radiation pattern quality metrics, and (d) system temperature components. The antenna meets all specifications for 21 cm cosmology applications.
  • Figure 5: Radiation properties and technical specifications: (a-c) Polar patterns at representative frequencies showing stable beam characteristics, and (d) comprehensive design parameters supporting the CosmicWeb-21cm science goals.