e-VLBI with the EVN
e-EVN Programme
The EVN is conducting a development programme called e-EVN, which aims at creating a VLBI network based on modern technologies, including broadband data transmission and real-time data processing.The key element of the e-EVN programme is an introduction of the e-VLBI technique which enables real-time data transfer from remote radio telescopes to the central processing facility via optical fibre cables, as opposed to the "traditional" implementations of VLBI in which the data are first recorded at the telescopes on tapes or discs and then physically delivered to the processor. In parallel to establishing the network connectivity to EVN telescopes, the e-EVN programme includes relevant hardware and software upgrades of the EVN Data Processor at JIVE, enabling this facility to correlate e-VLBI streams in real time, and development of UniBoard, a generic high-performance FPGA-based computing platform for next generation radio astronomy.
The e-EVN programme is officially recognised as a SKA Pathfinder for its continuing contribution to the SKA's requirements for new methods of high rate data transport and processing.
The programme is being funded by the participating institutes and through external funding sources, such as EC FP6 and FP7 projects EXPReS (2006-2009) and NEXPReS (2010-2013). The ongoing effort to develop VLBI user software is supported through the FP6 and FP7 RadioNet Joint Research Activities ALBUS and ALBiUS. Development of the software correlator received funding through EXPReS (Joint Research Activity FABRIC), and was continued through SCARIe, funded by NWO. Development of the UniBoard is also funded by FP7 RadioNet as a Joint Research Activity.
e-EVN Call for Proposals
Science proposals using the e-EVN real-time e-VLBI capability are encouraged. Full details are available in the guidelines for proposal submission (which now covers e-EVN and disk-based VLBI together).
The e-EVN status table lists the arrays and frequency bands available and the upcoming e-EVN schedule. General information about the EVN stations can be found in the EVN status table.
About e-VLBI Technique
JIVE maintains an e-VLBI Portal. This handy site provides introductory and educational material about e-VLBI and VLBI, and also includes a Virtual Radio Interferometer that you can try for yourself.Live e-VLBI Updates
Technical details and network throughput plots are available on the JIVE e-VLBI page.e-VLBI News:
- For the latest e-VLBI news and press releases, see the NEXPReS press releases page.
- For e-VLBI news from 2006-2009, see EXPReS press releases.
- For the results from 2006-2009 e-VLBI tests, see the EXPReS e-VLBI tests page.
- For e-VLBI news from prior to the beginning of the EXPReS project, see the e-VLBI News archive page.
EVN webmaster (jive{at}jive.eu)