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BICEP Array is a series of telescopes at the South Pole measuring polarization in the cosmic microwave background to constrain early universe physics and cosmic inflation, with a goal to measure the tensor-to-scalar ratio r to an uncertainty of approximately 0.001 by 2034. Two receivers operating at 30/40 GHz and 150 GHz have been collecting data for multiple years, while a third receiver at 220/270 GHz is partially complete with seven of twelve detector modules installed. Initial characterization of the 220/270 GHz receiver shows satisfactory performance in spectroscopy, beam pointing, and 220 GHz efficiency, though 270 GHz efficiency requires further optimization.
Why it matters
This instrument advances our ability to detect primordial gravitational waves from cosmic inflation, which would provide direct evidence for theories about the first moments after the Big Bang. The 220/270 GHz receiver is critical for separating galactic dust contamination from the primordial signal, enabling more accurate measurements of fundamental cosmological parameters.
Understand the Science
⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Abstract: Measurements of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background are critical for modern cosmology as they constrain the physics of the early universe and cosmic inflation. BICEP Array is using a series of small-aperture polarimeters located at the South Pole to measure this signal with a projected uncertainty on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r of approximately 0.001 by 2034. The 30/40 GHz receiver and the 150 GHz receiver have been observing the cosmic microwave background for multiple years, and data from these receivers will be included in the next published BICEP analysis result which includes all data taken through 2024. The 220/270 GHz receiver is partially completed with seven out of twelve detector modules installed, and is planned to be filled with five additional modules prior to the 2027 observation season. Finishing this receiver is a top priority for BA as the science goals of the experiment require the dust foreground cleaning this receiver will enable. On-site characterization efforts for this receiver from the 2025-26 austral summer show satisfactory spectroscopy, beam pointing, and 220 GHz efficiency, while the 270 GHz efficiency is an active area of work.
Source: Status of BICEP Array and Integration of the 220/270 GHz Receiver