J. Xavier Prochaska: Probing the Universe with Fast Radio Bursts


Thursday, 14 December 2023 3 p.m. — 4 p.m. MST

Gemini North Hilo Base Facility | 670 N A’ohoku Place Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA

Gemini North Talks
J. Xavier Prochaska (UC Santa Cruz)
View slides |

I will highlight recent results leveraging well-localized fast radio bursts (FRBs) to study cosmology and galaxy formation in our universe. The fundamental signals inherent in FRBs – dispersion measure (DM), rotation measure (RM), and fluence – offer unique constraints on properties of the matter along the sightline to Earth. In turn, we may map out the cosmic web, constrain the density of gas surrounding galaxies, and infer the magnetic fields of the interstellar medium from a diverse population of galaxies. I will describe the standard observational and analysis techniques and conclude by emphasizing areas poised for tremendous growth in the next few years due to the ongoing or upcoming commissioning of new facilities and systems (e.g. CRACO on ASKAP, DSA-110, and the CHIME Outriggers project). The latter is the focus of a Large Gemini Program to begin in 2024A (PI Eftekhari).

For Zoom connection information, please contact Emanuele Paolo Farina (emanuele.farina_at_noirlab.edu).

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