Registered Projects for Vacation Students Programme ( 2024 - 2025 )
Duration: May 15, 2024 - April 30, 2025
Each of the projects can be pursued for 1.5 months (continuous) any time from May 15, 2024 - April 30, 2025 as mentioned under individual project descriptions.
The exact time period will be decided mutually with the selected student and project supervisor.
Each of the projects can be pursued for 1.5 months (continuous) any time from May 15, 2024 - April 30, 2025 as mentioned under individual project descriptions.
The exact time period will be decided mutually with the selected student and project supervisor.
| Sr. No. | Project Details | Name of Supervisor |
|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Title: Probing peculiarity of RR Lyrae variable stars in the metal-rich globular clusters Abstract: RR Lyrae variable stars are exclusively old stars that are excellent distance indicators and play a crucial role in precision stellar astrophysics. These metal-poor stars are found in abundance in old stellar systems, but are very rare in metal-rich globular clusters. There are two unique globular clusters, NGC 6441 and NGC 6388, in the bulge of our Galaxy with a statistically significant number of RR Lyrae variables. These variables exhibit unusually long pulsation periods which are thought to be due to helium enhancement of their stellar populations. In this project, we will compare new multi-wavelength data from the state-of-the-art 8m class observational facilities (HAWKI@VLT, Flamingos2@Gemini) with the predictions of stellar pulsation models for different chemical compositions. These comparisons will improve our understanding of the cause of long pulsation periods of RR Lyrae variables and the peculiar morphology of their horizontal branch population in the metal-rich globular clusters. Prerequisites: Programming (python/IDL/R etc.), data analysis, photometry (not essential) Project Duration: 01-July-2024 - 31-October-2024 |
Prof. Anupam Bharadwaj |
| 2. |
Title: Mapping the distance scale to nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies Abstract: In the era of precision cosmology, the distance measurements in our Galaxy and beyond have improved significantly but are yet to reach an ultimate percent-level accuracy. The absolute luminosity scales of stellar distance indicators still suffer from various caveats in their geometric calibrations, lack of complementary astrometric, photometric, and spectroscopic datasets, and poorly understood effects of ages and metallicities on their luminosities. In this project, we will utilize homogeneous data from the Gaia space mission to cross-investigate distance determinations to nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies based on a variety of stellar standard candles such as Cepheids, RR Lyrae, and the tip of the red giant branch. Several independent measurements will allow us to quantify a minimum systematic uncertainty floor in the distance determinations in the Local Group galaxies. Prerequisites: Programming (python/IDL/R etc.), data analysis, astrostatistics Project Duration: 01-July-2024 - 31-October-2024 |
Prof. Anupam Bharadwaj |
| 3. |
Title: Automatization of the laser frequency drift correction Abstract: We have developed an adequate servo-loop system for laser frequency locking with respect to a reference Fabry-Perot cavity which uses Paund-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique. The unavoidable ageing of the Fabry-Perot cavity causes a very slow drift of its length resulting to a slow drift of the laser frequency typically < 100 mHz/s, which is not desired for our application. Therefore time-to-time typically over a period of day (~105 s) we need to measure the drift and manually correct it, which is tedious, time consuming and can cause man made errors. Therefore, we plan to incorporate automatization of this part, which shall continuously monitor this drift and that can be fed to our servo loop to correct the laser frequency accordingly. This does not require any additional hardware but the present algorithm have to be modified to work accordingly. Prerequisites: Python / Matlab programming Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Subhadeep De |
| 4. |
Title: Opto-mechanical designing of an extended cavity diode laser system Abstract: Extended cavity diode lasers (ECDL) have several configurations e.g. Littrow and Littman are the most popular among them. We are developing an ECDL laser system using interference filter instead of the standard grating-based designs and expect better stability than the grating-based ECDLs. The student will develop the mechanical design to hold the ECDL system in a compact way, identify the suitable material(s) for building the holder and produce the engineering drawing of it for further machining. Prerequisites: Solidwork 3D CAD drawing Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Subhadeep De |
| 5. |
Title: Mechanical design for a compact rack-mount Photon Reference System (PRS1550) Abstract: We are developing a complete rack-mount Photon Reference System (PRS1550) consist of reference optical resonator, extended cavity diode lasers laser & its controller, servo locking electronics, optical and electronic hardware for fiber noise cancellation. Some of these systems we have already developed in the lab and others are in the process of development but for all these we have their designs ready. Using Solidwork (3D CAD drawing software) the student has to integrate all these individual units in a single standard 19-inch rack and finalize the integrated PRS1550 design ready for its fabrication. Prerequisites: Solidwork 3D CAD drawing Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Subhadeep De |
| 6. |
Title: Dancing trapped ions Abstract: We have a working model ion trap for trapping of the dust particles. We like to couple music (acoustics) to the trapping field and make the ions to get modulate (dance) following the acoustic frequencies. The student needs to modify the existing electronic hardware so that any external music (acoustics) can be coupled to the trapping fields hence the trapped ions in it experience that. Prerequisites: Hands-on experience with analog electronics Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Subhadeep De |
| 7. |
Title: Packaging of the microwave frequency generator Abstract: We have demonstrated redundant and multi-channel synthetization of the microwave frequencies 10 – 300 MHz. The outputs are precise and stabilized to an atomic clock and their amplitude, phase frequencies are tunable at mHz level of accuracy. Such instrument has wide applications in qubit control, phase noise measurement etc. Upon successful demonstration of this instrument, in the next step, we plan to integrate all of its sub-components in a 19-inch box and make it a turn-key system. The student is expected to work on the packaging part and demonstrate its working. Prerequisites: Soldwork, and hands-on experience with analog electronics Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Subhadeep De |
| 8. |
Title: Improving OSEM sensitivity through a double demodulation scheme Abstract: Optical Sensor and Electromagnetic Actuator (OSEM) combines a shadow-sensor and a voice-coil-actuator into a single package. These OSEMs are used in Advanced LIGO suspensions to actively damp the motion of the suspended optics at low frequencies (< 30 Hz). As LIGO is a suspended interferometer, these OSEMs play a crucial role in the operation of the detector. Our ability to damp the motion of the suspended optics is presently limited by intensity noise of the LEDs in the shadow sensors. Our goal in this project is to design and execute a phase sensitive detection scheme in order to reduce the noise in these sensors. The hope is that we would be able to do this without any changes to the OSEM body, as this in-vaccum component, hundreds of which are used across the aLIGO detector, would be very hard to replace. Therefore, by improving the in-air electronics and the sensing scheme, we hope to improve the sensor performance. Prerequisites: Familiarity with LabView . Familiarity with Eagle Electronics design software . A good knowledge of analog electronics and phase sensitive detection . Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-July-2024 |
Dr. Suresh Doravari |
| 9. |
Title: Development of a Differential OSEM for seismic sensors Abstract: It is well known that intensity noise in OSEMs is a limiting noise source which reduces our ability to suppress displacement noise in suspended optics of the Advanced LIGO Detector. One way to mitigate the effects of this intensity noise in OSEMs is to utilise a Quadrant Photodide (instead of a simple photodiode) to sense the transmitted light. The displacement of the flag may then be sensed in a differential manner between the quadrants, with a high degree of common-mode rejection, thus reducing the noise in the displacement signal. We will develop a flag design and improve the electronics circuit used in the shadow sensor of the OSEM. We will acquire the signals from the QPD and execute a phase sensitive detection scheme to further reduce the 1/f noise at low frequencies and use this sensor in seismic sensors, which are being developed in our lab. This should further improve the signals from these sensors and enhance their sensitivity to ground motion in the 0.01 to 100 Hz band. Prerequisites: Familiarity with LabView. Familiarity with Eagle Electronics design software. A good knowledge of analog electronics and phase sensitive detection. Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-July-2024 |
Dr. Suresh Doravari |
| 10. |
Title: Metal-enriched gas around galaxies Abstract: Galaxies are enveloped by an invisible cloak of diffuse gas termed as the circumgalactic medium or CGM. By regulating the flow of baryons in and out of galaxies, the CGM plays a vital role in galaxy evolution. Studying the distribution and mixing of metal-enriched gas around galaxies is crucial to understand the star formation history and chemical enrichment of galaxies. Due to its low density, the CGM is most effectively probed in absorption against bright background sources such as quasars. This project will involve identifying and analysing absorption lines in the spectra of background quasars. The absorption lines will then be modeled to estimate the physical properties of the metal-enriched gas around galaxies. In addition, a literature survey will be undertaken for comparison and interpretation of the results. Prerequisites: Python programming skills Project Duration: 01-June-2024 - 31-August-2024 |
Prof. Rajeshwari Dutta |
| 11. |
Title: Developing tools for analysing eccentric binary black holes Abstract: Gravitational waves (GWs) emitted by binary black hole (BBH) systems with eccentric orbits offer valuable insights into astrophysical processes. Understanding eccentricity in BBH GWs is crucial for unravelling the dynamical evolution of compact binary systems and probing fundamental physics. In this project, the student is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of GWEAT (Gravitational Wave Eccentricity Analysis Tools) [1], an open-source Python package tailored for analysing eccentric BBH signals. While TEOBResumS, an eccentric waveform model, is already integrated into GWEAT, the student will mainly work towards incorporating another waveform model, SEOBNRE, to generate simulated injections and parameter estimations. Moreover, the project will entail a comparative analysis of the implemented models, SEOBNRE and TEOBResumS, to evaluate their accuracy and consistency in capturing eccentric BBH GWs. This exercise will advance our understanding of eccentric BBH systems and contribute to the ongoing development of GW analysis tools. Prerequisites: Proficient coding experience in Python, experience in GW data analysis will be preferred. Project Duration: 01-June-2024 - 31-July-2024 |
Dr. Apratim Ganguly |
| 12. |
Title: Constraining Proca stars using gravitational-wave data Abstract: Proca stars manifest as uniformly structured, asymptotically flat solitons sustained by intricate, massive vector bosons. These solitons collectively constitute a macroscopic Bose-Einstein condensate with dimensions comparable to those of stars. Under spherical symmetry, Proca stars exhibit qualitative resemblances to their scalar counterparts, the conventional boson stars, in all aspects explored to date. Recently, the tidal deformability and quadrupolar tidal Love numbers, encompassing electric and magnetic types, have been studied in the context of spherically symmetric Proca stars [1]. It has been seen that the electric (magnetic) Love numbers of Proca stars are similar to those of the bosonic stars. In this project, we will constrain Proca star models from gravitational-wave data of binary neutron stars like GW170817 or GW190425. Prerequisites: Experience with tensor calculus, knowledge in GR will be preferred. Project Duration: 01-June-2024 - 31-July-2024 |
Dr. Apratim Ganguly |
| 13. |
Title: Impact of microlensing on the detection of strongly lensed gravitational wave events Abstract: With the increasing sensitivities of current ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors, the prospects of detecting a gravitationally lensed GW signal are improving in the coming years. Gravitationally lensed gravitational waves, even if rare, allow us to answer some of the fundamental questions about astrophysics and cosmology. Some of the (multiply or) strongly lensed (SL) gravitational wave signals can further be demagnified or magnified by additional wave-optics lensing effects due to intervening low-mass stellar and stellar remnant population (e.g., black holes and neutron stars) that are present in the lensing galaxies. In the context of current GW detectors, these wave-optics effects are referred to as microlensing (ML). In Mishra et al. 2023, we showed that neglecting microlensing may affect our confidence in detecting such strongly lensed GW signals. Building on this understanding, we aim to conduct a more robust analysis in this project with realistic simulations of a population of SL+ML signals. This approach will allow us to statistically quantify the extent to which the existing strong-lensing search pipelines might be affected. Prerequisites: This project requires demonstrable experience with python packages. Prior knowledge of gravitational lensing and gravitational waves is preferred but not essential. Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2025 |
Dr. Anupreeta More |
| 14. |
Title: Study of sensitivity of gravitational lensing properties to the cosmological and astrophysical parameters Abstract: With the increasing sensitivities of current ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors, the prospects of detecting a gravitationally lensed GW signal are improving in the coming years. Gravitationally lensed gravitational waves (LGW), even if rare, allow us to answer some of the fundamental questions about astrophysics and cosmology. Statistical samples of lensed gravitational waves from merging compact binaries show characteristic distributions in their lensed image properties, for example, time delays and magnifications. In this project, we will explore the sensitivity of these properties to the underlying cosmological model parameters (e.g. Hubble constant and Dark Energy parameter) and astrophysical models (e.g. merger rate density models and lens mass models) that produce such samples of lensed GWs Prerequisites: This project requires demonstrable experience with python packages. Prior knowledge of gravitational lensing and gravitational waves is preferred but not essential. Project Duration: 15-May-2024 - 31-March-2024 |
Dr. Anupreeta More |
| 15. |
Title: Unraveling the Central Engine of DRAGNs Abstract: Double-lobed Radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei (DRAGNs) are galaxies hosting off-axis, large-scale (=kpc), bi-polar relativistic jets that are spewing out from the center of galaxies. How these jets are connected with the central engine, i.e., accretion disk and supermassive black hole, is poorly understood. X-ray observations can provide crucial evidence about the accretion properties of these enigmatic AGNs and thus are pivotal to exploring the link between the accretion disk and relativistic jet. In this project, we will utilize the recently released eROSITA-DR1 X-ray source catalog to study the X-ray spectral behavior of DRAGNs identified in the Very Large Array Sky Survey. Prerequisites: Good Python programming knowledge is mandatory, and experience in X-ray spectral analysis, e.g., using XSPEC, will be considered a plus. Most importantly, the candidate should have a strong desire to work hard to discover the unknown. Project Duration: 01-January-2025 - 31-March-2025 |
Prof. Vaidehi Paliya |
| 16. |
Title: Cosmological inference from cosmological simulations Abstract: We will use a suite of existing cosmological N-body simulations, performed using a variety of cosmological parameter combinations, to assess their potential for cosmological inference (e.g., testing the standard Lambda-cold dark matter model) using a number of observables. The analysis will be performed using Fisher matrix techniques. The results of the project will form a pilot study that will inform future development of a high-resolution simulation suite. Based on ability and performance during the project, the candidate may have the opportunity to participate in this future development. Prerequisites: I. Strong and demonstrated foundation in numerical work, especially object-oriented programming with Python, including Numpy, Scipy, Pandas (should be explicitly addressed in the application) II. Strong foundation in probability and statistics at Masters level, including exposure to least-squares fitting and Bayesian analysis III. Basic knowledge of cosmology including FLRW spacetime, Hubble-Lemaitre expansion, standard LCDM model of cosmology, etc. Project Duration: 15-July-2024 - 01-September-2024 |
Prof. Aseem Paranjape |
| 17. |
Title: Configuration design of compact mode cleaner cavities for future terrestrial gravitational wave detectors Abstract: The prestabilized laser (PSL) system in future laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors will operate at wavelengths of 1550nm and around 2100nm. These laser systems have stringent constraints in their noise performance. A mode cleaner cavity in the PSL filters the higher order modes in the laser output and also reduces noise arising from beam jitter. In this project, we will work on the configuration design of a compact mode cleaner cavity that will operate at 1550nm using optical simulation software ‘finesse’. Performance of three-mirror and four mirror travelling wave cavities will be investigated. Prerequisites: Python programming (numpy, scipy, matplotlib), Preferable Qualification - Completed an optics/laser related course and an optics lab at undergraduate level Project Duration: 19-May-2024 - 28-June-2024 |
Dr. Manasadevi Thirugnanasambandam |