skip to content
Home

Cavendish Astrophysics

 

Feed aggregator Subscribe to Cavendish Astrophysics aggregator

Mon 20 May 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:41
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Mon 13 May 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:39
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Tue 07 May 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:38
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Mon 29 Apr 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:37
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Fri 16 Feb 11:30: Light from the Cosmic Dawn: origin and observational signatures of the first black holes

Upcoming talks - Tue, 06/02/2024 - 12:56
Light from the Cosmic Dawn: origin and observational signatures of the first black holes

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Fri 09 Feb 13:00: Nonlinear stability of Einstein-matter models near the big bang singularity

Upcoming talks - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 16:59
Nonlinear stability of Einstein-matter models near the big bang singularity

In our recent work, we have made progress in understanding the complex mathematical landscape of the big bang singularity in general relativity. Utilizing Fuchsian partial differential equation techniques, we have established rigorous nonlinear stability results for certain Friedmann cosmological models, particularly focusing on solutions to the fully coupled Einstein-matter equations. This does not only reinforce some of the standard cosmological model’s assumptions in certain scenarios but also brings to light new critical phenomena that have yet to be fully understood. This research was conducted in collaboration with Todd Oliynyk from Monash University.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 08 Feb 16:00: Stellar populations and dust build-up in the early Universe

Upcoming talks - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 16:15
Stellar populations and dust build-up in the early Universe

We are witnessing an exciting revolution in our understanding of the first galaxies. JWST observations have already revealed galaxies in the first few hundred million years of the Universe and their detailed characterization in terms of chemical enrichment and stellar populations, revealing galaxies as metal poor as 1% of the solar value, and even potential traces of the first (Pop III ) stars at z ≈ 6.5 – 10.5. In addition to the stunning discoveries made recently by JWST , there have also been recent probes of the dust content of galaxies in the first billion years of the Universe with ALMA . This is a key and rapid transition phase for the evolution of dust, as galaxy evolutionary timescales become comparable with the formation timescales of dust. In this talk, I will attempt to provide some indications on the diversity of physical properties of the first galaxies expected by theoretical models, and on the current (limited) understanding of dust enrichment at very early cosmic epochs.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 15 Feb 16:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 11:52
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 08 Feb 16:00: Stellar populations and dust build-up in the early Universe

Upcoming talks - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 11:48
Stellar populations and dust build-up in the early Universe

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Tue 13 Feb 13:00: Disc evolution in young intermediate-mass stars

None - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 09:05
Disc evolution in young intermediate-mass stars

Planets are born from circumstellar discs and the evolution of these discs determines the final architecture of planetary systems. The stellar mass range between 1.5 and 3.5 solar masses presents a particularly interesting circumstellar disc evolution; most notably, it is dominated by the EUV /FUV photoevaporation regime on the pre-main sequence, it contains the majority of gaseous debris discs, and it also shows the highest giant planet frequency. In our recent spectroscopic VLT /X-Shooter survey (UV to nIR), combined with WISE data (nIR to mIR), we identified 135 pre-main sequence (PMS) intermediate mass stars (IMSs) in the Southern sky. This is the first unbiased sample of IMSs in the PMS , allowing a study of disc evolution. Our sample, encompassing protoplanetary and debris discs, also revealed a significant number of discs between these two evolutionary stages. We find that the IR excess evolution of IMSs differs from that seen for low-mass stars (LMSs), exemplified by samples drawn from nearby star forming regions. We observe that, in IMSs, the inner disc regions are vacated in their entirety, in contrast to the LMSs where we note a more gradual inside-out dissipation. We also investigated the presence of gas absorption features in our sample via optical high-resolution spectroscopy to identify gas-bearing debris discs. This requires detailed comparisons to spectra of nearby stars to eliminate objects with foreground cloud absorption as cause of the absorption features. In particular, we apply this effective method to one such disc, eta Tel, discarding the earlier claim of disc wind as the origin for the absorption features. Finally, we discuss our several ongoing and future surveys investigating the nature of circumstellar discs around IMSs.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Tue 13 Feb 13:00: Disc evolution in young intermediate-mass stars

Upcoming talks - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 09:05
Disc evolution in young intermediate-mass stars

Planets are born from circumstellar discs and the evolution of these discs determines the final architecture of planetary systems. The stellar mass range between 1.5 and 3.5 solar masses presents a particularly interesting circumstellar disc evolution; most notably, it is dominated by the EUV /FUV photoevaporation regime on the pre-main sequence, it contains the majority of gaseous debris discs, and it also shows the highest giant planet frequency. In our recent spectroscopic VLT /X-Shooter survey (UV to nIR), combined with WISE data (nIR to mIR), we identified 135 pre-main sequence (PMS) intermediate mass stars (IMSs) in the Southern sky. This is the first unbiased sample of IMSs in the PMS , allowing a study of disc evolution. Our sample, encompassing protoplanetary and debris discs, also revealed a significant number of discs between these two evolutionary stages. We find that the IR excess evolution of IMSs differs from that seen for low-mass stars (LMSs), exemplified by samples drawn from nearby star forming regions. We observe that, in IMSs, the inner disc regions are vacated in their entirety, in contrast to the LMSs where we note a more gradual inside-out dissipation. We also investigated the presence of gas absorption features in our sample via optical high-resolution spectroscopy to identify gas-bearing debris discs. This requires detailed comparisons to spectra of nearby stars to eliminate objects with foreground cloud absorption as cause of the absorption features. In particular, we apply this effective method to one such disc, eta Tel, discarding the earlier claim of disc wind as the origin for the absorption features. Finally, we discuss our several ongoing and future surveys investigating the nature of circumstellar discs around IMSs.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Research Assistant/Associate in Development and use of optical microscopy to study battery materials

Department of Physics Jobs - Mon, 05/02/2024 - 00:00

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in use of optical microscopy to study electrochemical processes in battery electrode materials. The successful candidates will work between the groups of Prof. Akshay Rao (https://rao.oe.phy.cam.ac.uk/) and Prof. Dame Clare Grey (https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/group/grey/index), and build on our recent advances is developing optical microscopy as a new high-throughput operando characterisation tool to study ion transport, phase transitions and degradation in battery electrodes, both at the single-particle level and also across the electrode [References 1-3].

The successful candidates will join our growing interdisciplinary team and work in close collaboration with experimental and modelling groups around the UK via the Faraday Institution Degradation Project (https://degradationproject.com/). The role-holder will be expected to participate actively in collaborations with other post-doctoral researchers and PhD students working within the Faraday Degradation project.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in Chemistry, Physics or a related area, and a strong background in either (i) electrochemistry and battery material characterisation especially operando characterisation or (ii) optical microscopy of nanoscale systems with emphasis on microscopy methodology development. A strong track record of high-quality research and an excellent publication record are essential. The ability to work well in a team will be crucial as projects will be highly collaborative, involving multiple universities and industrial partners. Experience with microscopy techniques and data analysis of large microscopy datasets would be an advantage.

Appointment at Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant and amended to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded).

Salary: £32,982 - £36,024 pa

The position will start in April 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter for a period of 12 months.

References:

Merryweather et al., Nature, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03584-2

Merryweather et al., Nature Materials, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-022-01324-z

Xu et al., Joule, 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435122004743

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a cover letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Informal enquiries about the position can be addressed to Prof Akshay Rao via email on ar525@cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 23rd February 2024

Please quote reference KA40407 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

We particularly encourage candidates from backgrounds historically underrepresented in STEM subjects to apply.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Fri 09 Feb 11:30: The quest for the earliest black holes: a theoretical perspective

Upcoming talks - Sat, 03/02/2024 - 12:41
The quest for the earliest black holes: a theoretical perspective

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Mon 12 Feb 14:00: The life of erupting flux ropes

Upcoming talks - Fri, 02/02/2024 - 13:31
The life of erupting flux ropes

Unstable magnetic flux ropes represent the primary driver of eruptive solar flares and thus space weather. We summarize the recent developments of the 3D extensions of the Standard model of solar flares, including formation of the flux ropes, identification of the erupting mechanism(s), and processes during the eruption proper. New reconnection geometries are reviewed, both from theoretical as well as observational standpoint, as these lead to re-building of the erupting flux rope once the eruption is underway.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 08 Feb 11:30: Problems with (our) galaxy formation simulations and some new angles

Upcoming talks - Thu, 01/02/2024 - 14:26
Problems with (our) galaxy formation simulations and some new angles

Stellar feedback is a crucial component in controlling the baryon cycle in galaxies. However, it is not very clear how this can be done without assuming exotic models of stellar feedback. In this talk I will first discuss why we have not been very successful in producing realistic galaxies in our simulations, and present some attempts to solve this problem. I will also discuss how Lyman alpha profiles can potentially be used to place some constraints on cosmological simulations with cosmic ray feedback. This talk is intended to be thought-provoking rather than a collection of success stories.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Principal Technician

Department of Physics Jobs - Thu, 01/02/2024 - 00:00

We are looking for a CNC Manufacturing Engineer to join our team at the Department of Physics (just off Madingley Road).

You will be a member of the Cavendish Technical Services, delivering highly specialised technical support to research groups and external customers in the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and installation of scientific instruments and research laboratory equipment and varied commercial projects.

If you are fully engaged and adaptable, a team player and problem solver with excellent communication skills, we would love to hear from you!

Main Responsibilities

  • Provide highly specialist advice to researchers and students in the design of experiments, and the design of particular equipment, including on choice of materials and methods of manufacture

  • Manufacture and prepare prototypes and specimens, using very specialised skills, on verbal instructions or sketches from researchers

  • Provide numerical control machining and programming technical experience.

  • Establish technical requirements for manufacturing and producibility.

  • Design, construct and modify very sophisticated laboratory research equipment using highly specialised engineering skills and techniques.

  • Design and develop unique pieces of research equipment using Fusion CAD and CAM software package

  • Provide engineering drawings using CAD for third parties contracted to manufacture specimens or prototypes.

Skills/Qualifications

  • 5 axis prior experience, preferably Mazak

  • Millturn prior experience, preferably Mazak

  • Strong Cad/cam background, Preferably Autodesk based Fusion & Power mill

  • Some flexibility with working hours including occasional call out to help unmanned machine running breakdowns.

The Department of Physics has over 1000 staff, students, visitors and collaborators organised into 15 research groups and a number of support services.

This role is within the Cavendish Technical Services Team of 11 staff, which provides Mechanical Engineering support to the experimental research groups, designing and manufacturing bespoke components and whole pieces of apparatus to allow Physics research to be conducted.

We engage the talent, pride and passion of people to be the leading centre of Research for today and tomorrow. Cavendish Technical services are continually investing in its Staff and Equipment with Some of the Latest CNC Equipment on the market. Our Teams core values are safety, quality and continuous improvement. This culture engages our employees because their thoughts, ideas, and talents are valued.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be sent to technical.services@phy.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA40363 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Fri 28 Jun 11:30: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 16:38
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Mon 18 Mar 13:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 15:00
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Mon 19 Feb 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 14:27
Title to be confirmed

TBD

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Fri 19 Apr 11:30: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming talks - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 12:24
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Contact us

Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics
Cavendish Laboratory
JJ Thomson Avenue
Cambridge CB3 0HE

Site Privacy & Cookie Policies

Quick links

Study at Cambridge

About the University

Research at Cambridge