When:
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
Where: Technological Institute, F160, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 map it
Audience: Faculty/Staff - Student - Post Docs/Docs - Graduate Students
Contact:
Katie Breivik
Group: Physics and Astronomy PAECRS
Category: Academic
Katie Breivik -- Exploring astrophysical variance in Milky Way compact binary populations with MAGPIES
Abstract: In the years preceding eLISA, Milky Way compact binary population simulations can be used to inform the science capabilities of the mission. Galactic population simulation efforts generally focus on high fidelity models that require extensive computational power to produce a single simulated population. Each simulated population represents an incomplete sample of the functions governing compact binary evolution, thus introducing variance from one simulation to another. We present a rapid Monte Carlo population simulation: MAGPIES, that can simulate thousands of populations in less than a week, thus allowing a full exploration of possible Milky Way compact binary populations.
Kevin Kelly -- Sterile Neutrinos at DUNE
Abstract: Sterile neutrinos are an attractive solution to several problems in particle physics: neutrino mass generation, dark matter, and neutrino oscillation anomalies. In this talk, I will discuss the effect of sterile neutrinos on oscillation experiments, and how well we can exclude (or measure) their existence at the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). Additionally, I will touch on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques we use to estimate these exclusions/sensitivities.
Pizza will be available during the talks.