LANL-Light Curves

Merging neutron stars eject hot, radioactive material asymmetrically. The light this material emits can provide critical clues into just how much material came out (and what types, and in what direction, and how far away). But the light emitted by this material is complicated, not least because it passes through material whose interactions with light aren’t as familiar as most elements. So detailed simulations of these ``kilonova light curves” are essential to provide a reliable benchmark against which to interpret real observations.

The Los Alamos group (led by R. Wollaeger) has put out a new state-of-the-art library of simulations of these kilonova light curves. RIT graduate student Marko Ristic has been helping target these simulations, interfacing with parameter inference code developed by RIT undergraduate Ben Champion; more on that soon.

For more information:

• Wollaeger et al A broad grid of 2d Kilonova Emission Models

• Ristic et al Interpolating Detailed Simulations of Kilonovae: Adaptive Learning and Parameter Inference Applications arxiv:2105.07013