Explore the Connection between Magnetars and Fast Radio Bursts
Chin-Ping Hu (Department of Physics, National Changhua University of Education)
Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are enigmatic radio transients that have captured the attention of astronomers owing to their potential as a powerful tool for cosmology. However, the origin and radiation mechanisms of FRBs remain largely unknown. Magnetars, which are neutron stars exhibiting the strongest magnetic fields in the Universe, are considered to be one of the most promising candidates for explaining the origins of FRBs. In 2020, one of the X-ray bursts of SGR 1935+2154 was detected coinciding with an FRB. This strongly suggests that some FRBs are produced by magnetars. In our recent studies, we have found that these energetic behaviors may be linked to glitches, which is a sudden increase in the spin frequency of a neutron star. This suggests that the release of the rotation energy powers parts of these energetic activities, including X-ray flares, short bursts, and FRBs. Therefore, it is crucial to study the radiation behavior and spin evolution of magnetars, which can serve as a Rosetta stone for multi-wavelength studies of FRBs.
To study the spin behavior of magnetars in detail, advanced timing analysis techniques, including the unbinned maximum-likelihood analysis method and the time-of-pulse arrival are needed. The timing behaviors of a few historical outbursts from other magnetars were not carefully examined with these techniques in detail. In this project, we will learn how to work on data collected from multiple X-ray observatories, and perform advanced timing analysis. We will build timing models for a few magnetars and explore the connection between the rotation energy loss and radiation behaviors. Finally, we would deal with their broadband X-ray spectra and pulse profile to investigate their emission in detail.
Required Background:
Unix/Linux experience, Programming Languages such as Python, matlab, or C/C++.
Fundamental knowledge of physics and astronomy