Abstract
This paper discusses the relative observing efficiency of single sideband (SSB) and double sideband (DSB) receiver systems in the presence of atmospheric and antenna losses. We use the antenna parameters currently specified for the NRAO Millimeter Array (MMA) antennas and atmospheric opacities appropriate to an excellent site such as Mauna Kea or the MMA site on the Llano de Chajnantor in northern Chile. We find that for spectroscopic observations in one sideband, SSB measurements are always more efficient. Below 400 GHz, the observing time advantage is 50-80%. Above 400 GHz, the advantage is over a factor of 2, indicating that SSB-mode observing is more efficient even if spectral lines of interest are present in both sidebands. We discuss the goals for the ultimate, practical receiver performance that one should aim for in the presence of atmospheric and telescope losses. Observing efficiencies are displayed as a function of frequency using atmospheric opacity models as input. We also develop some analytic expressions for SSB and DSB observing.
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