Pulsar Scintillometry

We are performing radio interferometric observations of pulsars with radio telescopes spread around the globe (Very Long Baseline Interferometry, VLBI). Typically, the data is correlated at a central correlation facility (such as JIVE in the Netherlands or the MPIfR in Germany) after which the raw data is being deleted. However, for our project we would like to keep the raw data for later re-correlation by ourselves. This might be necessary because of pulsar parameters being insufficiently accurate at first correlation leading to imperfect correlations. Also, the default correlator setups typically lack in spectral resolution compromising our scientific goals. The project itself aims at performing ultra-high angular resolution observations of pulsars by employing the turbulent interstellar medium as an interstellar interferometer. The phase information contained in VLBI observations allows us to construct an image of the structures scattering pulsar radiation which, in turn, can be used to resolve the pulsar emission region. Ultimately we will be able to constrain the emission hight and, hence, the emission mechanism giving rise to the pulsar phenomenon. This collection will mark the first of its kind for many similar observations to come. On the long term we plan to use this and subsequent similar observations to not only study the pulsars themselves but also the dynamics of the interstellar medium. Furthermore, this collection can serve as a blue-print for future similar projects.