Such sources can then be built into an array, each element of which is programmed to fire whenever required.

ECONOMIST: Modern X-ray technology

Sixteen of these modify the strengths of the inward and outward connections between each element in the array and each of its eight neighbours.

ECONOMIST: Analogue computing

This arrangement makes the chip particularly suitable for image-processing, because each analogue element of the array can be made to correspond to a single pixel (one of the individual dots of which an image is composed).

ECONOMIST: Analogue computing

In addition to its use as a single instrument, the telescope is a key element of the UK's Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network (Merlin) high-resolution radio-imaging array.

BBC: Lovell Radio Telescope refurbished