Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9160-4463

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Committee Chair

Kevin Bandura

Committee Member

Matthew Valenti

Committee Member

Natalia Schmid

Abstract

The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) is a radio telescope array designed to map Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) and detect Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) within the 400-800 MHz frequency range. However, man-made Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), such as television broadcasts and cellular signals, significantly degrade data integrity and mask weak astronomical signals. This thesis details the design, simulation, and implementation of a slotted waveguide antenna at the Green Bank Outrigger (GBO) to detect and mask RFI. Utilizing cross-correlation, the system identifies similarities between the telescope and the horizon- pointing antenna to isolate interference. Mathematical models were used to determine the desired radiation pattern for the antenna, specifically the goal to minimize sensitivity to the sky to reduce the visibility of astronomical sources. The antenna was simulated in MATLAB and FEKO, and con- structed with the assistance of the WVU Innovation Hub. Testing of the physical antenna confirmed a far-field radiation pattern matching simulated results. Experimental data analysis demonstrates that the antenna successfully identifies constant and intermittent RFI while exhibiting less sky sensitivity than previous designs. Furthermore, this research introduces a dynamic frequency masking approach using separate day and night threshold cuts, and a linear phase gain approximation technique to recover data at noisy frequencies. This work provides a scalable framework for utilizing ancillary instruments to safeguard data integrity in high-interference environments. By integrating these findings into the CHIME project, the system can achieve cleaner data for BAO mapping and more precise localization of FRBs.

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