Computational analysis techniques using fast radio bursts to probe astrophysics

This thesis focuses on Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and presents computational techniques that can be used to understand these enigmatic events and the Universe around them. Chapter 1 provides a theoretical overview of FRBs; providing a foundation for the chapters that follow. Chapter 2 details current understandings by providing a review of FRB properties and progenitor theories. In Chapter 3, we implement non-parametric techniques to measure the elusive baryonic halo of the Milky Way. We show that even with a limited data set, FRBs and an appropriate set of statistical tools can provide reasonable constraints on the dispersion measure of the Milky Way halo. Further, we expect that a modest increase in data (from fewer than 100 FRB detections to over 1000) will significantly tighten constraints, demonstrating that the technique we present may offer a valuable complement to other analyses in the near future. In Chapter 4, we study the fine time-frequency structure of the most famous FRB: FRB 121102. Here, we use autocorrelation functions to maximise the structure of 11 pulses detected with the MeerKAT radio telescope. The study is motivated by the low time-resolution of MeerKAT data, which presents a challenge to more traditional techniques. The burst profiles that are unveiled offer unique insight into the local environment of the FRB, including a possible deviation from the expected cold plasma dispersion relationship. The pulse features and their possible physical mechanisms are critically discussed in a bid to uncover the nature and origin of these transients.

Grantor

Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Platts, Emma

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Weltman, Amanda
• Shock, Jonathan

• Applied Mathematics

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33921

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/33921