Capturing the Image of a Neutron Star: Optimal Signal Extraction and Surface Maps

My research focuses on the physics of strong magnetic and gravitational fields found in the extreme environments of magnetars, other neutron stars, and black holes. While at Radcliffe, I am seeking a research partner to be involved in one of two aspects of the project: 

1) to write an algorithm for command parsing to be incorporated in a command-driven data analysis software for indirect imaging of neutron star surfaces. Good knowledge of C programming language and Unix operating system will be required. A background in computer science is preferred. 

2) to develop a website to host a database from current X-ray satellites on black hole and neutron star data. Good knowledge of website development (HTML and Java) programming is required. 

The student will benefit from being involved in cutting-edge research at the intersection of astrophysics and computer science. It will be a unique opportunity for me to work with a student with a computer science background. Because the project is interdisciplinary in nature, I expect more fruitful ideas and development will result from this interaction.