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X-ray Pulsars
Term:
Fall
Department:
MKI: MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research
Faculty Supervisor:
Claude Canizares
Faculty email:
crc@mit.edu
Apply by:
December 31, 2020
Contact:
Jun Yang: yangjun@mit.edu
Project Description
To understand the progenitor of rotation powered pulsars, we compare them with accreting High-Mass X-ray binary pulsars, (hereafter X-ray pulsars), in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The diagram of spin period vs. period derivative shows that isolated neutron stars could be evolved from X-ray pulsars. The pulsars with long spin period might spin up. Their binary orbit is disrupted by a third body in the universe, and the binaries are detached. Therefore, some of the pulsars become isolated neutron stars. In this UROP, you will learn the basic properties of pulsars, search for pulsations in X-ray sources and learn pulsars near the Galactic Center.
Pre-requisites
The student in this UROP will work on X-ray properties and evolution of pulsars, and using the related analysis and modeling techniques with Dr. Jun Yang. Prior experience with python or linux/unit would be ideal. If you are interested, please apply with your CV, and transcript to Dr. Jun Yang at yangjun@mit.edu . Work can be done remotely and will meet with Dr. Jun Yang weekly over zoom or skype. The student is also welcome to join our weekly X-ray group meeting over zoom.