Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Xinze Guo

Modeling the Beam Directivity of the MIST Global 21 cm Experiment Using Shapelets

The 21cm signal, generated by the spin-flip transition of a neutral hydrogen atom, is crucial for exploring the universe’s earliest phases before the formation of stars and galaxies. The Mapper of the IGM Spin Temperature (MIST) is a new radio experiment designed to detect this signal, where understanding the antenna’s beam directivity is crucial for correctly recovering the signal. However, the traditional method of beam model simulations are time-consuming and hard to manipulate, so developing an analytical model is essential for extracting 21 cm lines effectively. Under the guidance of Raul Monsalve, I plan to conduct an in-depth study of beam directivity using polar shapelets, aiming to provide a 10-base-only analytical way to construct directivity.

 

Message To Sponsor

Thank you so much for giving me this enriching opportunity to do the work I’m passionate about and create original research. Your support this summer allowed me to complete the simulation part of my project and work on my first first-author paper. This has been a significant step forward in a project I’ve been dedicated to for over 2.5 years, and your contribution has made a significant difference in my academic journey, bringing me closer to achieving my goals. This summer has been fantastic, and I cannot thank you enough for making this experience possible.
Major: Astrophysics and Computer Science
Mentor: Raul Monsalve, Space Sciences Laboratory
Sponsor: Leadership Fund
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