Speaker
Description
In recent years, we have established a robust strategy for producing sub-arcsecond (wide-field) images using the full European LOFAR array (Morabito et al. 2022; Sweijen et al. 2022). These high resolutions reduce confusion noise, making it possible to create ultra-deep images by combining multiple LOFAR observations. However, this comes for wide-field imaging with substantial computational costs (e.g. de Jong et al. 2024). To address this, we revisited our data processing strategies and introduced techniques for handling large data volumes more efficiently. This has led to a reduction in computational cost up to a factor of 15, alongside the implementation of improved calibration methods that enhance image fidelity as well (de Jong et al. 2025; de Jong et al. submitted). These developments have enabled the creation of the deepest radio image to date, achieving a central RMS sensitivity of 6 μJy/beam across a 2.5 x 2.5 degrees field of view at 0.3" resolution, using 200 hours of LOFAR observations.
In this talk, I will present the key developments that enabled the creation of this record-breaking image. I will also highlight future directions, including ongoing efforts to fully automate the LOFAR VLBI pipeline for wide-field imaging and how to further reduce computational costs. These advancements will pave the way for ultra-deep high-resolution studies of the radio sky at 150 MHz.
