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Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT)
Telescope Details
Location:
Tibet, China
Purpose:
To probe the primordial gravitational waves originated from the very early universe and measure cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization in the search for signals that would confirm the theory of inflation. CMB polarization measurements may provide for the first time a quantum probe of gravity.
NIST’s role:
NIST is leading many aspects of camera development, including the design, fabrication and characterization of superconducting detector arrays and electronics.
Significant discoveries:
This telescope is still under construction.
Other interesting facts:
AliCPT is the only CMB imager to be located in the northern hemisphere, which will allow the telescope access to map new regions of the sky to great depths. This will be important in checking other telescopes’ measurements because signals need to be detected in multiple parts of the sky to be confirmed.
Supported by:
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Operated by:
An international collaboration led by the Institute of High Energy Physics, with about 100 scientists from China, the United States and Europe.
Media
