Gravitational Waves

3 EC

Semester 2, period 5

5354GRWA3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. M.P. Decowski
Part of Master Astronomy and Astrophysics, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, year 1

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

The course starts with an introduction to general relativity (GR). The Einstein field equations and properties of black hole solutions are discussed. Next the linearized Einstein equations are derived, which lead to the prediction of gravitational waves. We will also explore how numerical relativity is used in this field. Interesting sources of gravitational radiation are discussed, such as two black holes spiraling towards each other and colliding. Experimental efforts to gain access to the strong-field regime of GR through direct observation of ravitational waves are explained. We then turn to data analysis of the recent gravitational-wave detections: how they were discovered and how their parameters were measured. The emphasis throughout is how these observations allow us to address fundamental problems in physics.

As part of the course we are going to develop a simple visualization that will aid in understanding various concepts. The visualization could take the form of a brief video, an animated gif, an infographic, or an informative, high-resolution plot.

There are also required weekly homework assignments. 

Study materials

Literature

  • B. Schutz, 'A first course in general relativity'.
  • J.B. Hartle, 'Gravity: An introduction to Einstein's general relativity'.
  • M. Maggiore, 'Gravitational waves: volume :Theory and experiments'.

Syllabus

Other

Objectives

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Solve the Einstein equations using linearised theory to obtain the vacuum solution and source term solution for gravitational waves
  • Understand the generation of gravitational waves from different astrophysical sources and their observable properties
  • Explain the different detection methods using interferometric and bar detectors as well as pulsar timing.
  • Write python code to extract signals and their source properties from detector noise
  • Explain how observations of gravitational waves allow for tests of general relativity, cosmology measurements, neutron star equation-of-state, and other fundamental physics
  • Develop a simple visualisation to illustrate a concept in the course

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Presentation/symposium

Lectures and tutorials.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

84

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article 1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    0.7 (70%)

    Tentamen

    0.2 (20%)

    Homework assignments

    0.1 (10%)

    Project

    The Project will be graded: Originality - 10%; Quality - 50%; Complexity - 40%

    Assignments

    Homework

    • Will be graded individually

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. M.P. Decowski

    S. Caudill