Investigating the Complex Radio Spectra and Infrared-Radio Correlation in Nearby Starforming Galaxies

Abstract:

In my recently accepted thesis, I examined the radio continuum emission of galaxies to determine how the physical processes that occur within galaxies modify the radio spectral energy distribution and physical distribution of radio emission. I studied the resolved radio continuum emission of 27 nearby star forming galaxies with facilities including MWA, ASKAP, ATCA and ALMA to examine the impact of cosmic ray electron energy loss and radio continuum absorption mechanisms as well as cosmic ray transport on the radio spectral energy distribution and their relations to a galaxies physical properties. I have also examined the relationships between radio continuum emission and star formation through the infrared to radio correlation and how these relationships are affected by physical processes within galaxies. Overall I find that the radio continuum emission of star forming galaxies is much more complex than simple two component synchrotron and free-free power law emission with factors such as ionisation losses, synchrotron losses and free-free absorption impacting the radio emission differently in each galaxy depending on a galaxies size, star formation rate and gas properties. A thorough understanding of the links between the physical properties of a galaxy and its radio spectral energy distribution is vital to be able to better calibrate radio star formation rate measures in preparation for future broad-band, all-sky radio surveys with telescopes like the SKA.

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