Dr Fredrick Jenet (University of Texas, Brownsville)

Pulsar Timing and Gravitational Wave Detection: current status and future prospects - Dr Fredrick Jenet Colloquium

Schottky Room

Abstract

The unique properties of radio pulsars allows for the direct detection of low frequency gravitational waves (G-waves). This talk will outline G-wave detection techniques using pulsar observations. The current status of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) will be discussed including current limits on the stochastic G-wave background. These results will be placed in the context of super massive black hole formation and evolution, early universe evolution, and cosmic string formation scenarios. The future prospect of low frequency G-wave detection will also be discussed including the expected results from the full PPTA data set and the SKA.