ALMA Receives Major Upgrade, Boosting Sensitivity for Deep Space Exploration
For decades, radio astronomy has been pivotal in unveiling the hidden universe - the gas, dust, and structures invisible to the naked eye. Leading this exploration is the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile [[2]], a powerhouse equipped with 66 high-precision parabolic antennas [[1]]. ALMA observes the faint millimeter and submillimeter radiation emitted by the cold molecular clouds where stars are born.
Now, ALMA’s capabilities are significantly enhanced thanks to a collaborative effort between the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State physics (IAF) and the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy.Thay’ve delivered 145 new low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) [[3]], expanding ALMA’s “Band 2” coverage to span 67 to 116 ghz on the electromagnetic spectrum.
What does this mean for our understanding of the cosmos?
This upgrade unlocks new avenues for research, allowing scientists to delve deeper into:
* The Cold Interstellar Medium: Gaining crucial insights into the dust, gas, radiation, and magnetic fields that birth stars.
* Planet-forming Disks: Observing these disks with greater detail, revealing the processes that lead to planetary creation.
* Precursors to Life: Detecting and analyzing complex organic molecules in distant galaxies, possibly shedding light on the origins of life itself.
The Technology Behind the Breakthrough
The LNAs utilize cutting-edge monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) built from indium gallium arsenide, developed by Fraunhofer IAF. This technology, based on metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistors, dramatically minimizes noise and amplifies weak signals. According to Fabian Thome of Fraunhofer IAF [[3]], “Our technology is characterized by an average noise temperature of 22 K, which is unmatched worldwide…This enables the ALMA receivers to measure millimeter and submillimeter radiation from the depths of the universe much more precisely.” The amplifiers boost signals over 300-fold in the initial amplification stage.
The collaboration saw Fraunhofer IAF focusing on MMIC design, manufacturing, and room-temperature testing, while the Max Planck Institute handled LNA module assembly, cryogenic testing, and qualification. This partnership, commissioned by the European Southern Observatory [[3]], exemplifies the power of international cooperation in pushing the boundaries of astronomical research.
This upgrade promises a new era of discovery, allowing astronomers and cosmologists to witness the birth and evolution of stars and planetary systems with unprecedented clarity and precision.
