Core-collapse supernovae are the final, explosive demise of massive stars and are responsible for black hole formation. As a consequence of the prevalence of binarity amongst massive stars, they provide the leading progenitor channel of producing compact object binary systems with two black holes. General Relativity tells us that their binary orbit will shrink owing to energy losses via gravitational-wave (GW) emission. Following this shrinking, during the final few orbits, a prominent gravitational waveform is produced. Mergers of compact binaries, therefore, represent the true final fates of massive stars and are the dominant source of all heavy elements in the Universe.
Kilonovae are the electromagnetic counterparts created by collisions between neutron stars, the dense products of collapsed stars. These are currently the only sources responsible for gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, making them a unique ’multi-messenger’ probe of the Universe. Understanding these sources will reveal whether neutron star mergers produce the full cosmic budget of chemical elements heavier than iron, and how matter behaves at the most extreme densities possible. At the moment only one kilonova, associated with GW170817, has been observed but rate estimates predict a few events in the next LIGO runs (O4 in 2021 and O5) up to a few dozen in LIGO A+ (starting in 2024). This is sufficient to distinguish between different mass functions and measure total chemical abundances, providing constraints on the nature of
nuclear matter.
The project will focus on the electromagnetic follow-up of neutron stars mergers (and if discovered NS-BH mergers counterparts) and it will be carried out as part of the ENGRAVE collaboration (ElectromagNetic counterparts of GRAvitational wave sources at the VEry Large Telescope), the LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration and the upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) at the Vera Rubin Observatory. One of the goals of the project will be building a multi-messenger code to fit both gravitational wave and electromagnetic data simultaneously which is pivotal to deliver the first multi-messenger statistical study of neutron star mergers. Machine learning approaches will also be used to retrieve any link between the electromagnetic information and those retrieved from the gravitational waves analysis and modelling. If the dataset will be rich enough, an Artificial intelligence algorithm can be built to identify kilonovae candidates during the downtimes between LIGO runs.
In this project, the PhD student will gather knowledge of GW physics, time-domain astronomy, astrophysics of exploding/merging cosmic objects and stellar evolution. From the computational side, the student will acquire programming skills in python and machine learning / Artificial Intelligence techniques and environments. Experience in observational astronomy and statistics are ‘de facto’ outcomes of such project.
The UKRI CDT in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing (AIMLAC) aims at forming the next generation of AI innovators across a broad range of STEMM disciplines. The CDT provides advanced multi-disciplinary training in an inclusive, caring and open environment that nurture each individual student to achieve their full potential. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse background that can positively contribute to the future of our society.
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in biological and health sciences; mathematics and computer science; physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline. Candidates should be interested in AI and big data challenges, and in (at least) one of the three research themes. You should have an aptitude and ability in computational thinking and methods (as evidenced by a degree in physics and astronomy, medical science, computer science, or mathematics, for instance) including the ability to write software (or willingness to learn it).
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)
To apply, please visit the CDT website http://cdt-aimlac.org/ and follow the instructions
Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with a start date of 1st October 2021.
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:
• an upload of your CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references
• Current academic transcripts
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project. If you are applying for more than one project, please list the individual titles of the projects in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select ’I will be applying for a scholarship/grant’.
To complete your application please email a pdf(s) of your application to [Email Address Removed]’
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