Workshop: Computational and Technological Challenges of LOFAR

Workshop, 15-16 December 2005, John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC), Research Centre Jülich, Germany

15 and 16 December 2005
John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC), Research Centre Jülich, Germany

Scope

The Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) is the prototype of next generation telescopes for radio-astronomy. The scientific case for a radio telescope with much higher sensitivity than currently available includes many topical questions such as the "epoch of reionization" or the "evolution of black holes". Its realization - presently starting in the Netherlands - defines a complete shift in technology with regard to the collection of information in the radio domain: the focusing into an image plane by a dish antenna is replaced by digital processing of signal collected with very simple omni-directional antennas. This technique also enables to spread the collecting elements over an area of hundreds of km in diameter, a prerequisite if one wants to map the radio sky with sufficient angular resolution. The large area network also provides the infra-structure for sensor networks with applications in other fields, ranging e.g. from geosciences and meteorology to agriculture.

With the data transport requirements of Tbits/s and processing power needs of TFlops/s this new technique is, however, a real challenge for computing and technologies. The workshop will provide a platform for discussions between scientists and engineers from the different fields collaborating in this truly interdisciplinary project. Specifically the topics

• Scientific challenges
• Distributed sensor fields
• High-speed data communication and GRID computing
• Algorithms for data analysis and visualisation
• Use of supercomputers and novel computer architectures

will be addressed.