Faculty Profile
Marco Cavaglia (Faculty Member is Retired, or has otherwise left the University)
Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Phone Number: (662)915-7642
Email: cavaglia@olemiss.edu
http://www.phy.olemiss.edu/~cavaglia
Key Words: physics astronomy
Research Description: My current research is in experimental detection of gravitational waves, astrophysics and cosmology. I am senior member of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration, a group of over 1000 scientists from more than 20 countries that recently announced the first direct detection of gravitational waves from a pair of astrophysical coalescing black holes. My research, as most LIGO research is funded by the National Science Foundation. In my career, I also did research in classical and quantum gravity, particle physics, and theoretical physics.
Honors Theses:
Gabbard, Hunter (2016) A Study on the Characterization and Implementation of Tools for Advanced LIGO. (full text)
Duddleston, Daniel (2014) Detector Characterization Analysis of the Initial Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). (full text)
Available Research Projects:
Detector Characterization of the Advanced LIGO Detector
Project Description: The LIGO detectors in Louisiana and Washington are designed to observe gravitational waves from astrophysical sources. The first direct observation of a gravitational-wave signal happened on September 14, 2015, one hundred years after the publication of Einstein's General Relativity theory, and opened the way to a completely new branch of astronomy and fundamental physics: http://news.olemiss.edu/gravitational-waves-detected-100-years-after-einsteins-prediction/. The aLIGO Detector Characterization group is charged with investigating and resolving unwarranted noise disturbances in the instruments, as well as working to improve the quality of the science data. This work is critical for the success of aLIGO's observing runs and the detection of gravitational-wave signals. Commissioning and detector characterization work involve many researchers across the different LIGO Scientific Collaboration working groups and institutions. The student will participate to commissioning and detector characterization investigations of aLIGO by studying and characterizing the instrumental and environmental data of the aLIGO detectors. This activity will provide an essential contribution to the aLIGO project while offering the student the opportunity to participate in a unique scientific endeavor.
Desired Student Qualifications: Basic knowledge of the Linux operating system. Ability to program in Matlab or Python. Willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
Project Timeline: Two semesters for analyzing data and write thesis.
Duties of Student Researcher:
Last Updated on 2017-09-25 09:56:56
High-energy astrophysics
Project Description: Gravitational waves and other cosmic "messengers", such as neutrinos and electromagnetic waves, allow us to infer information on the physics of high-energy objects in the deep sky. The student will analyze astronomical data to develop new models of these objects and develop tools for researchers and the public to interpret and visualize their physical properties. This project is at the forefront of modern research and spans activities from astronomy to physics, from computer science to education and public outreach.
Desired Student Qualifications: Basic knowledge of the Linux operating system. Ability to program in Matlab, Python and/or Java. Willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
Project Timeline: Two semesters for completing the work and write thesis.
Duties of Student Researcher:
Last Updated on 2017-09-25 10:02:08