Measuring the Largest Angular-Scale CMB Polarization from a Ground-based Surveyor

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $4,198,773 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) is uniquely built to probe the largest angular scales in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization from its high site in Chile’s Atacama Desert. It has already produced polarization maps of 75% of the sky. This award supports observations and data analysis to develop instrumentation, observing strategies, and analysis techniques to understand and reduce systematic errors while increasing the sensitivity of the surveyor. Along with a substantially improved estimate of the reionization optical depth, the continuing survey will be able to access the unique imprint of inflationary gravitational waves in the CMB B-mode polarization. The CLASS faculty and postdocs work with Baltimore science teachers to increase public awareness of science and foster scientific interests in school-age children. CMB cosmology-focused educational resources developed will integrate into the Next Generation Science Standards in Maryland and other states. The project continues to train the next generation, having involved some 55 undergraduates and 20 graduate students, and provided leadership training for postdocs. The survey will provide stringent constraints on the redshift of cosmic dawn, of particular interest as new high-redshift galaxy populations are uncovered by the James Webb Space Telescope. The optical depth measurement is also critical for neutrino mass constraints. The survey will test exotic physics, including large-sc

Key facts

NSF award ID
2442928
Awardee
Johns Hopkins University (MD)
SAM.gov UEI
FTMTDMBR29C7
PI
Tobias A Marriage
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, INSTRUMENTATION
Estimated total
$4,198,773
Funds obligated
$2,831,003
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028