Simulation Analysis of Frequency Averaging Effects on SKA1-LOW Image

The SKA1-LOW of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) will perform key scientific tasks such as studying the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). Frequency averaging can reduce visibility data volume and enhance sensitivity, but it introduces “bandwidth smearing”. The quantitative impact of this effect on SKA1-LOW image remains unexplored. This study employs simulation to investigate frequency averaging. By simulating the SKA1-LOW full array, applying frequency averaging and cleaning processing, we systematically compare restored images from averaged multi-channel and single-channel data, analyze their residual after subtraction, and evaluate the effect on observed source intensity. Quantitative results are obtained for peak intensity variation with averaged channel count under different imaging weights. This research provides guidance for selecting optimal channel numbers in SKA1-LOW observations, offering significant value for SKA1-LOW science.