Theoretical modelling of light curves and spectra for supernovae

The PhD project will focus on performing radiative transfer simulations to compute synthetic spectra and light curves from explosion models and comparing these to real observational data.

The student will learn the physical principles and computational algorithms used in Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations and will become experienced in running and analysing the results of simulations. The project will focus on a combination of improving the quality of the simulations (improving and testing of microphysics) and modelling of observations. This work be carried out in the context of international collaborations with theorists (particularly those specialising in thermonuclear supernova explosions) and supernova observers (at Queens University Belfast, and internationally).