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Jet Simulations
Jet Simulations
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) jet simulations aim to model the behavior of astrophysical jets—high-speed outflows launched from compact objects such as black holes—by solving the equations of fluid dynamics coupled with magnetic fields. Using the PLUTO code, students will investigate how magnetic fields affect jet acceleration, collimation, and stability under various physical conditions. The project involves setting up numerical experiments, analyzing simulation outputs, and comparing results with theoretical predictions and observations.
Duration: Three Years
Working with: Dr. Fabrizio Tavecchio
A jet produced by PLUTO code. Image credit: S. Boula
Source: Probing magnetic fields and acceleration mechanisms in blazar jets with X-ray polarimetry, Tavecchio, May 2021
Theory & Interpretation
Theory & Interpretation
Interpreting the emission from astrophysical jets involves combining radiation models, polarization diagnostics, and particle acceleration physics to understand the underlying physical processes that govern these phenomena. Radiation models, such as synchrotron and inverse Compton mechanisms, are used to predict the observed spectra and variability based on the properties of the emitting plasma. Polarization measurements offer a powerful probe of the magnetic field geometry and orientation within the jet. Additionally, incorporating models of particle acceleration—such as shock-driven or turbulence-induced mechanisms—helps explain how nonthermal particles are energized and how they contribute to the high-energy emission observed in jets..
Duration: Three years
Working with: Dr. Farizio Tavecchio
Observations from space
Observations from space
Satellites detecting X-rays and gamma-rays are essential in the study of relativistic jets, which often emit most of their power at these high-energies. In particular, we use the data of the IXPE satellite, able to measure the polarization of photons in the X-ray band, and we prepare the scientific exploitation of new mission, such as COSI, sensitive in the still poorly explored MeV band.
Duration: Three years
Working with: Dr. Farizio Tavecchio
IXPE Misson. Image Credit: NASA
Image Credit: MAGIC Collaboration
Gamma-ray data analysis and blazar observations
Gamma-ray data analysis and blazar observations
The study of the spectral energy distribution of blazars through simultaneous multi-wavelength observations encompassing the electromagnetic spectrum from the radio band to TeV energies is a key test of blazar emission models.
Data analysis of the observations taken by MAGIC, LST1 and the soon forthcoming ASTRi Mini-Array provide crucial information on the most energetic portion of the emitted spectrum.
Complementing these data with coordinated observations in the optical, UV and X-ray bands, and also with the gamma-ray data at GeV energies provided by the Fermi/LAT satellite, allows to constrain the emission components and infer physical parameters of the sources .
Furrther infomation is obtained by the study of photometric time series, while neutrino observatories such as IceCube or Km3NeT provide the information necessary to understand the role of leptonic and hadronic emission processes.
Duration: Three years
Working with: Dr. Giacomo Bonnoli
Former PhD topics
Former PhD topics
Agnese Costa: Beyond Recollimation: How Shocks Ignite Instabilities in Relativistic Jets
Chiara Righi: Neutrino emission from Blazars
Alberto Sciccaluga: Particle acceleration and emission in high-energy BL Lacs
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