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The Whisper and the Bang: Cosmic Fireworks in the Lives of Compact Binaries

Citation

De, Kishalay (2021) The Whisper and the Bang: Cosmic Fireworks in the Lives of Compact Binaries. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/vc3g-5723. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05062021-042641560

Abstract

Compact binaries, comprising of a white dwarf, neutron star or black hole in a tight orbit around another star are produced from binary evolution through a complex range of astrophysical processes -- ranging from eruptive mass loss episodes ('the whisper') to spectacular explosions ('the bang') that have shaped the universe as we see it today. In pursuit of a complete road-map of the explosive lives of high mass and low mass stars in compact binaries, I undertook two major experiments.

In the first two parts of this thesis, I describe the largest volume-limited supernova classification experiment undertaken till date, using the Zwicky Transient Facility optical time domain survey. I present the identification of a new class of 'ultra-stripped' supernovae that form neutron stars in compact binary systems, that are likely direct progenitors of merging neutron stars detectable in LIGO/Virgo. Using the systematic sample of supernovae, I identify a class of helium shell explosions on low mass white dwarfs that likely represent the final fates of helium accreting white dwarfs. In the third part of this thesis, I present the development of Palomar Gattini-IR (PGIR), the first wide-field infrared survey capable of studying the dynamic infrared sky from timescales of seconds to years. I present a systematic search for nova eruptions in the Milky Way using PGIR, and show that optical surveys have systematically missed a large fraction of dust obscured novae to derive the first quantitative estimate of the Galactic nova rate. I present the first infrared constraints on the second-timescale emission from a Galactic Fast Radio Burst identified with a dust obscured Galactic magnetar.

This thesis helps set the stage for a systematic exploration of the local stellar graveyard using i) the Vera Rubin Observatory to probe the lowest luminosity stellar deaths in the local universe and ii) the upcoming assemblage of infrared surveys to study variability in Galactic compact objects in conjunction with the rich landscape of X-ray and radio sky surveys. By mapping out the demographics of explosive phenomena, it helps us interpret the astrophysical populations detectable with current and future gravitational wave observatories.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Time domain astronomy; astronomical databases: miscellaneous; catalogs; infrared: general; methods: data analysis; surveys; techniques: image processing, photometric; supernovae; compact objects; white dwarf stars; neutron stars; nucleosynthesis; massive stars; radio transient sources
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Astrophysics
Awards:Milton and Francis Clauser Doctoral Prize, 2021. France A. Córdova Graduate Student Fund (Neugebauer Scholar), 2019.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Kasliwal, Mansi M.
Thesis Committee:
  • Steidel, Charles C. (chair)
  • Fuller, James
  • Hallinan, Gregg W.
  • Kasliwal, Mansi M.
  • Kulkarni, Shrinivas R.
Defense Date:23 April 2021
Non-Caltech Author Email:dekishalay (AT) gmail.com
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSF1545949
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05062021-042641560
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05062021-042641560
DOI:10.7907/vc3g-5723
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aas8693DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 2.
https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/abd627DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 3.
https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ab0aecDOIArticle adapted for Chapter 4.
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/aadf8eDOIArticle adapted for Chapter 5.
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abb45cDOIArticle adapted for Chapter 6.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1538-3873/ab6069DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 7.
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abeb75DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 8.
https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/abb3c5DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 9.
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
De, Kishalay0000-0002-8989-0542
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:14135
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Kishalay De
Deposited On:10 May 2021 15:34
Last Modified:02 Nov 2021 23:57

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