academic

Some of my recent work related to my academic life.

research projects

A composite visualization of a Halo from the NINJA Simulation Suite is presented in four distinct ways:
1. DM & GAS (Top Left) - A composite view showing gas (red) and dark matter (blue) distributions, with the intensity of color proportional to the density within each bin.
2. Stars (Top Right) - The stellar component displayed in white.
3. DM (Bottom Left) - Dark matter density distribution in blue, overlaid with white contours representing 75% and 50% density levels.
4. Gas (Bottom Right) - Gas density distribution in red, with the same white density contours for reference.
Generated from the 50 Mpc, 1008 cube resolution run of the NINJA Simulation suite, this visualization showcases the intricate structure of matter distribution in halos and highlights the interplay between dark matter and gas distribution.

Dark Matter and Gas Profile Evolution In Cosmological Simulations

M.Sc. Thesis Project | Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 | NISER

I am working on my M.Sc. Thesis under the guidance of Dr. Nishikanta Khandai, investigating the evolution of Dark Matter (DM) and gas distribution profiles over time using MP-GADGET cosmological simulations. By analyzing the changes over time in the distribution and behavior of gas and DM, we aim to understand the flow of matter within galaxies and the potential interactions of DM in various evolutionary stages of halos. In the latter part of the project, we will delve deeper into the processes driving galaxy evolution, leveraging insights from simulations to predict observational signatures associated with these events.

Artist's impression of two black holes as they spiral towards each other before merging, releasing gravitational waves – fluctuations in the fabric of spacetime.
Image: ESA, C.Carreau

Forecasting BBH Mergers With Cosmological Simulations

Project | Summer 2023 (Ongoing/Draft In Preparation) | IUCAA-NISER

I am working on a collaborative project led by Prof. Shasvath J. Kapadia and Dr. Nishikanta Khandai, which is focused on forecasting the detectivity of Binary Black Hole (BBH) mergers in future space-based detectors using cosmological simulations. Our focus extends to the analysis of mass spectrum, redshift evolution, and detectability of BBH mergers through cosmological simulations. My role involves working on the specifics of cosmological simulations and analysing various galaxy parameters over time. Specifically, I'm tracking the evolution of host group/galaxy properties both before and after BBH mergers, which may provide valuable insights as a precursor to these cosmic events.

Hubble images of quasar 3C 273. At right, a coronagraph is used to block the quasar's light, making it easier to detect the surrounding host galaxy.
Image: WFPC2 image: NASA and J. Bahcall (IAS) ; ACS image: NASA, A. Martel (JHU), H. Ford (JHU), M. Clampin (STScI), G. Hartig (STScI), G. Illingworth (UCO/Lick Observatory), the ACS Science Team and ESA

QSOs As The Tracer Of Our Universe

Group Summer Project | Summer 2024 | TIFR

I worked in a group project led by Dr. Shadab Alam where our efforts were focused on using quasars (QSOs) to explore the connection between galaxies and the dark matter (DM) halos that surround them. My specific role in the group consisted of calculating the projected correlation function in the eBOSS survey data and leveraging cosmological simulations to investigate the connection between QSOs and DM halos. The long term goal was to understand the relationship between QSOs and DM halos, which are believed to play a critical role in driving galaxy formation and star birth. Understanding these halos is essential for comprehending the complexities of cosmic structure formation.

Project Resources: QSOs As The Tracer Of Our Universe (Project Report)

This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a gathering of four cosmic companions. This quartet forms part of a group of galaxies known as the Hickson Compact Group 16, or HCG 16 — a galaxy group bursting with dramatic star formation, tidal tails, galactic mergers and black holes.
Image: NASA, ESA, ESO, J. Charlton

Galaxy Group Finder Algorithm

Group Summer Project | Summer 2023 | TIFR

I worked briefly in a group project led by Dr. Shadab Alam where our efforts were focused on development of a Group Finder Algorithm. My specific role in the group consisted of simulating mock dark matter halos in a periodic box resembling the universe, often associated with galaxy clusters and groups, to mimic real observational data. The long-term goal was to develop 'Group Finder Algorithms' that can use these simulated halos to train models for detecting groups in actual survey data.

reading projects

Schematic illustration of the Milky Way galaxy, showing the prominent spiral arms, the central galactic bulge, the location of the Sun, and selected X-ray sources.

Image: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss

Self Gravitating Systems

Reading Project | Summer 2022 | NISER

Under the supervision of Dr. Nishikanta Khandai, I did a comprehensive reading on galaxy dynamics, exploring constituents, morphological classifications, and deriving equations for potential and mass distribution models based on observed structures and also expanded knowledge and understanding in the fields of galaxy formation, evolution, and the distribution of dark matter, as discussed in Galactic Dynamics by Binney & Tremaine, my primary reference.

Project Resources: Self Gravitating Systems (Project Report)

experimental lab projects

A collage showing (in anti-clockwise order):

1. The 3D design of the spectrometer mount.

2. The finished 3D-printed spectrometer mount.

3. The spectrum image as recorded using the spectrometer mount for a light source.

4. the final spectrum of Sirius after analysis of the recorded spectra.

Stellar Spectroscopy With Telescope

Experimental Lab Project | Fall 2023 | NISER

Me and my labmate, Ms. Niti Singh worked on this semester-long experimental project aiming to design and build a dedicated spectrometer for the 11-inch CPC Deluxe 1100 HD telescope by using a diffraction grating and a planetary CMOS sensor. We aimed to capture spectra of celestial objects, hoping our project becomes a meaningful addition to the field of stellar spectroscopy. Divided into two phases, the initial stage focused on precise spectrometer design, calibration, and construction to seamlessly integrate with the telescope. While the latter half of the semester centered on astronomical observations, capturing and analysing spectra of various stars like Sirius, Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Capella.

Project Resources: Stellar Spectroscopy (Experimental Lab Final Report) | Spectroscopy Experimentation Website (Notion) | Project Repo (Github)

A collage showcases the process and results of an experiment aimed at measuring the rotational period of the Sun and investigating the effect of solar limb darkening:

1. Image Composite Editor (Top Left): Shows the structured photographs of the Sun, created by stitching together nine individual solar images to form a complete view.

2. Sunspot Clusters and Positions (Top Right and Bottom Right): These plots display the positions of sunspots on the solar disk. The red dots mark the detected sunspots on specific dates, with the sunspot clusters and their sizes labeled accordingly. The grayscale images of the Sun highlight the intensity variations across the solar disk.

3. Radial Intensity Profile (Bottom Left): This graph compares the observed radial intensity (blue line) with the fitted model (orange line), demonstrating the effect of limb darkening. Limb darkening refers to the decrease in intensity from the center of the solar disk to the edge, caused by the geometry and temperature gradient of the Sun's atmosphere.

Rotational Period Of Sun And Solar Limb Darkening Effect With Telescope

Experimental Lab Project | Spring 2024 | NISER

Me and my labmate, Ms. Niti Singh worked on this semester-long experimental project aiming to determine the rotational period of sun and study the solar limb darkening using a planetary CMOS sensor. We aimed to determine the rotation period of sun by tracking sunspots on surface of the sun over a period of 2 months and use the acquired data to study solar limb darkening effect as well. We were able to capture, isolate and identify sunspots and then calculate rotation period of the sun over a period of 2 months.

Project Resources: Solar I (Experimental Lab Report) | Solar II (Experimental Lab Report)

A multi-plot figure showcases the results of data processing from the Milky Way observed through a radio telescope:

1. Dynamic Spectrum (Top Left): A time-frequency representation of the signal, showing variations in power over a range of frequencies (1419.00 - 1421.00 MHz) and time (0 - 200 seconds).

2. Time-averaged Power vs. Frequency (Top Right): The average power across the observed frequency range, highlighting key spectral features.

3. Average Power vs. Time (Bottom Left): The temporal evolution of the average power, indicating how the signal's strength changes over time.

4. Total Power Distribution (Bottom Right): A histogram of the average power values, illustrating the distribution and variability of the signal's strength.

Measuring Galaxy Rotation Curve Using Radio Telescope

Experimental Lab Project | Spring 2024 | NISER

Me and my labmate, Ms. Niti Singh worked on this semester-long experimental project aiming to measure the rotation curve of the Milky Way galaxy using a radio telescope and software-defined radio (SDR). We aimed to capture radio frequency data from the hydrogen line emission (21 cm) across different regions of the Milky Way. Our objective was to analyze the Doppler shifts in the spectral lines to calculate the rotational velocities at various distances from the galactic center.Unfortunately, midway through the project, our SDR equipment encountered technical issues and ceased functioning. Despite our best efforts to troubleshoot and replace components, we were unable to restore its operation in time. Consequently, we could not gather sufficient data to produce a reliable rotation curve. While the project did not yield the expected results, the initial phase provided valuable experience in radio astronomy techniques and data analysis.

Project Resources: Radio Telescope (Experimental Lab Report)

term projects

A collage showcases the process and results of the project exploring the evolution of magnetic fields using Crank Nicolson and different initial conditions within galaxies.

Galactic Dynamos

P464 Term Project | Spring 2024 | NISER

This project was part of my P464: Plasma Physics & Magnetohydrodynamics and was focused on exploring the magnetic fields within galaxies using the α²-Ω and α-Ω dynamo approximation. By modifying the coupled equations and numerically solving them using Crank Nicolson I measured and quantified the impact of α and Ω effects on magnetic fields using different approximations and initial conditions, which gave me insights into the dynamo processes that generate and sustain galactic magnetic fields.

Project Resources: Galactic Dynamos Project Website (Notion) | Project Repo (Github)

A collage showcaseing the CTIS data collected for a Hematite Sample.

CTIS and Hyperspectral Cube Construction

P452 Term Project | Spring 2024 | NISER

This project was part of my P452: Computational Physics and was focused on on constructing and utilizing a hyperspectral cube for advanced imaging and spectral analysis. By combining computed tomography and spectrometry principles, CTIS captures detailed spectral information across multiple wavelengths. In involved spatial calibration and reconstruction to map image pixels to their corresponding spectral values, transforming 3D data into precise 2D spectra.

Project Resources: CTIS & Hypterspectral Cube (Slides) | Project Repo (Github)

A plot showing the simulated orbit over a period of time for the Planet Earth around Sun using the Adaptive Runge-Kutta-4 Integrator with an adaptive step size.

Orbit Simulation with Adaptive RK-4 Integrator

P346 Term Project | Fall 2022 | NISER

This coding project was part of my P346: Computational Lab Course and was focused on modeling the motion of a planet around a sun using ordinary differential equations (ODEs). I used a numerical integrator with adaptive step-size RKF45 and Cash-Karp parameters to simulate/model the system.

Project Resources: Project Repo (Github)

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