Pulsar PSR B0329+54: Using Jadwin Hall's Yagi-Uda Antenna in an attempt to detect pulsar radio emissions

Abstract

We unsuccessfully attempted to detect Pulsar PSR B0329+54 with Jadwin's Hall Yagi-Uda Antenna and Ettus USRP N200. Various hour-long FFT tracking measurements were calibrated and processed for both interstellar time dispersion and the Doppler E ect. Energy cuts were imposed on the FFT spectra and frequency and broadband interference lines were removed. The data were compiled into a phase histogram that showed no statistically signi cant pulsar, even though our simulations suggested that a signal as small as 77% (or 50%, depending on the method) of its true strength could have been detected. We conclude that we had some experimental error preventing us from witnessing the pulsar and that a bigger antenna could have possibly detected the signal.