Astrophysical interpretation of gravitational waves with space-based observatories

About the Project

Gravitational-wave astronomy was pioneered in September 2015 with the first direct observation of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). A long time ago, far, far away two black holes spiralled into each other and merged, deforming space-time in the process. Those deformations propagated as waves, carrying information about the properties of the collision of the two black holes.

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a space-based observatory expected to be launched into space in 2034. It will be able to probe gravitational-wave sources, their properties and test theories of gravity with unprecedented precision, with great potential to upend our understanding of the universe. However, many challenges remain before we obtain the capability to analyse LISA’s output.

In particular, Bayesian parameter estimation and model selection techniques have been essential to infer the astrophysical properties of the sources of detected gravitational waves. Those methods are a key part of this new field of gravitational-wave astrophysics, and this project will improve existing techniques to enable they use for LISA thereby unlocking its potential. This involves for instance distinguishing an arbitrary number of overlapping sources of very different strengths and morphologies, analysing quickly and efficiently years of data, and developing methods to marginalise out sources of systematic uncertainties.

This work will lead to enabling new constraints of alternative theories of gravity and measurements of the invisible distribution of matter in the universe. This involves developing an using accurate, precise, and efficient methods for observational gravitational-wave astronomy on future observations.

For more information, or if there are any questions, please contact Dr Vivien Raymond RaymondV@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores).

How to apply

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy.

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages including:

• your academic CV
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.