B1017 - GRAVITATIONAL WAVE ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide the student with fundamental knowledge of the physics of gravitational waves and of the importance of gravitational radiation in astrophysics and cosmology. From the theoretical point of view, the student will be able to derive the relevant equations in the framework of general relativity and to describe quantitatively the process of emission of gravitational waves from simple astrophysical sources. From the experimental point of view, the student will understand the basics of gravitational wave detection, with specific applications to current and forthcoming observatories. The student will also get expertise on the methods to extract astrophysical and cosmological information from gravitational wave signals.

Course contents

Part I: Theory of gravitational waves (GWs)

(Teacher: Carlo Nipoti)

 

- Fundamentals of general relativity

- Linearized general relativity

- Linearized field equations: weak GWs

- Effect of gravitational waves on free particles

- Generation of gravitational waves from binary sources in linearized theory

- Spin-up of binary systems due to GW emission

- Chirp GW signal from inspiralling binary systems

 

Part II: Detection of GWs and cosmological applications

(Teacher: Michele Moresco)

 

- Astrophysical sources of GWs

- Compact coalescence binaries

- GWs detection: basics of interferometry and the GW signal

- Overview of the current and future GWs observatories

- GW data analysis: fundamentals of he Bayesian framework and parameter estimation from GWs signal

- Cosmology with GWs: GWs as standard sirens (bright sirens, dark sirens, and spectral sirens)

- The astrophysical and cosmological signal in GWs

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook:

- M. Maggiore "Gravitational waves" Volumes I (2008) and II (2018). Oxford University Press

 

Other textbooks:

- M.P. Hobson, G.P. Efstathiou and A.N. Lasenby, General Relativity. An introduction for physicsists, 2006, Cambridge University Press

- M. Guidry Modern General Relativity. Black Holes, Gravitational Waves, and Cosmology, 2020, Cambridge University Press

- B. Schutz, A First Course in General Relativity, 2022, Cambridge University Press

A few relevant articles will be suggested during the lectures. Lectures slides will be provided.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

The assessment method will be based on an oral exam, lasting about 30-40 minutes, in which the student will be asked 2 questions from both professors of Module 1 and Module 2 about different topics among the ones presented during the lectures.

The oral exam is aimed at verifying the knowledge of the theory of gravitational wave phenomena and the understanding of the main astrophysical and cosmological applications. The ability to use proper scientific language and to organise the material taking into account the available time are also considered in the evaluation.

If the exam is sufficient, the final mark ranges between 18 and 30 cum laude, with the following range: 18-21 (barely sufficient knowledge, with poor ability of using proper scientific language and time), 22-25 (intermediate knowledge, with modest ability of using proper scientific language and time), 26-29 (ample knowledge, with good ability of using proper scientific language and time), 30/30 cum laude (excellent knowledge with great ability of using proper scientific language and time).
The exam grade cannot be rejected more than twice.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will advise students of possible adjustments, that will be submitted to the professor for approval 15 days in advance. He/she will evaluate their suitability also in relation to the academic objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and projector

Office hours

See the website of Michele Ennio Maria Moresco

See the website of Carlo Nipoti