Software in the CARMA heterogeneous millimeter-wave array

Abstract

The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) is a 15 element heterogeneous millimeterwave array developed and operated by a university consortium that will be expanded to 23 elements in 2008. Commissioning began in August 2005 after completion of the relocation of antennas from the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) and the Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association (BIMA) arrays to a new high site and initial scientific operations began in April 2006. The array operates in the 3-mm and 1-mm bands and has a maximum resolution of 0.15 arc seconds. Most of the software and computing infrastructure for the array is new, allowing modern technology to be introduced and to provide a common interface for the disparate antenna types. The new system is proving to be both easy to use for routine observations and yet capable enough for the development of new observing techniques by the experienced astronomer. Some of the details of the computing and software are described here, with emphasis on the control system.