Fixing the clock: understanding the variable radio emission from pulsars
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
This project will use data from the world's most sensitive telescopes, including the newly built MeerKAT telescope in South Africa, to understand the variable radio emission from pulsars, and improve pulsar timing experiments. Pulsar timing experiments aim to test Einstein's GR, to observe Gravitational Waves, to understand the interiors of pulsars and test the various possible equations of state of dense nuclear matter. MeerKAT is a precursor instrument to one of the Square Kilometre Array telescopes. Once complete, by the end of 2017, it will be the most sensitive telescope in the Southern hemisphere.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504233/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1947710 | Studentship | ST/N504233/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Lucy Oswald |
| ST/R505006/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1947710 | Studentship | ST/R505006/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Lucy Oswald |
| Title | Technique for processing and analysis of broadband polarimetric pulsar observations |
| Description | I have developed a technique for processing broadband observations of radio pulsars that have full polarimetric data. This technique precisely aligns the data across frequency, allowing for the effects of interstellar dispersion and Faraday rotation, using theory about the frequency evolution of pulsar polarization and how it relates to the geometry of the pulsar. This allows the user to investigate pulsar frequency evolution effects in order to build understanding of the pulsar radio emission mechanism. The software is compatible with existing pulsar analysis software, so that it can be used on observations from multiple telescopes and epochs. Details of the technique are being submitted for publication and the software will in time be released publically for general use. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Development of this technique is detailed in a paper being submitted for publication. The paper also details new understanding about the emission processes of two pulsars gained as a result of using this technique. This will be followed in time by a wide ranging study, applying the software and analytic technique to a wide range of pulsar observations. |
| Title | Technique for simulating and analysing the frequency evolution of single pulses of pulsar emission |
| Description | I have developed a technique for simulating single pulse emission from pulsars, taking into account current theories of pulsar emission, in order to analyse the observational outcomes resulting from such theories. Coupled with analysis of observational data I have used such simulations to constrain current understanding of pulsar emission theories. Details of how I applied theory to practice are detailed in a published paper. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Development of this simulation work, coupled with analysis of observed single pulse emission from a radio pulsar, was used by me to compare different theoretical emission region models with the observed data. This work is published in a paper. |
| Description | Lecture and workshop on radio astronomy for BAAO team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I presented a lecture on radio astronomy and associated worksheet session as part of a training camp for a team of finalists for the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad. The students were preparing for an international competition and the session helped them prepare for this and to expand their knowledge of radio astronomy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Outreach talk to local community (Suffolk) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk on my research on polarization in pulsars as part of a seminar series in a small Suffolk village. It is unusual for this audience to have the opportunity to hear scientific talks of this nature. There was a very positive response to the talk and it has since been much discussed by the community. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Physics Undergraduates visiting Oxford from Leiden |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 61 first year Physics undergraduates from the University of Leiden visited Oxford for a study trip. As part of this I presented a lecture to them on my research. The students were engaged and asked questions, and the talk received positive feedback. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | School visit (London) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I presented a talk on my research to a central London school. The audience included students from a wide range of ages. They were engaged and asked questions and several told me of their hope to study Physics and Astrophysics, and asked for information and advice about pursuing postgraduate study in Astrophysics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Stargazing Oxford event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Stargazing Oxford is an annual event run by the Oxford Astrophysics department. It is a day of talks, events, stalls and science outreach related to astronomy and astrophysics for the General Public. Over 1000 people attended. My role was to coordinate organisation of stalls with posters and interactive exhibits on the subjects of pulsars and stellar astrophysics. I also helped in manning the stalls, talking to adults and children about astrophysics and engaging them with our activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |