PhD Studentship: A Comprehensive Study of Double Neutron-star Binary Systems

Primary Supervisor – Dr Robert Ferdman

Pulsars are the ultra-dense, highly magnetic, rapidly spinning neutron-star remnants of massive stellar core collapse and supernovae. They are observed as cosmic lighthouses, emitting a radio beam that is detectable as a pulse with every rotation; the analysis of these pulses allows for the study of many important astrophysical phenomena. For this project, the student will undertake an investigation of several pulsars in binary systems with a companion neutron star, to significantly advance two key areas for which these objects are renowned. 

We aim to develop a more definitive picture of formation and evolutionary channels for double-neutron-star systems. The student will achieve this through high-precision analyses of several binaries in order to measure their component masses, orbital characteristics, and space velocities. This work may additionally improve our estimates of observable neutron-star mergers with Earth-based gravitational-wave detectors, shedding crucial light on the sources of heavy-element production in the Universe. A more accurate census of the double-neutron-star binary population will also help to properly evaluate the possibility for future multi-messenger work in independently determining the Hubble constant, potentially resolving current disagreements between claimed values.  

The student will also conduct precision tests of the predictions of general relativity and alternative theories of gravity. For example, the latter includes tests for violation of the equivalence principle (a fundamental pillar of general relativity) such as the existence of a dipolar component to gravitational wave emission by compact binaries—predicted by several theories, but not by general relativity. Long-term timing analysis of pulsar binary systems provides a unique gravitational laboratory, representing conditions and environments that cannot be reproduced on Earth.  

The student will employ data sets from the Nançay (France), Arecibo (Puerto Rico; now decommissioned), Effelsberg (Germany), the Lovell (UK), and Giant Metrewave (GMRT; India) radio telescopes. 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years)

Closing Date: 27 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

Advert information