Calibration Issues for the ALMA

The precision imaging to be attained by the ALMA will be achieved through accurate calibration. The types of calibration are summarized in Table 3.1. Calibration strategies will be developed and implemented on the NRAO 12m telescope, and the OVRO and BIMA arrays. The principal goals to be achieved by the end of the ALMA Design and Development (D&D) Phase are to demonstrate radiometric phase correction at 22 GHz, including demonstration of correction algorithms at OVRO and BIMA; and to demonstrate improved instrumental amplitude calibration. Calibration is the process by which the astronomer converts electronic signals from the telescope into Pointing 0.6" absolute Primary Beam 2-3% Baseline Determination 0.1 mm Flux Calibration 1% absolute flux accuracy goal Phase Calibration 0.