Interacting Dark Energy with 3×2-Point Statistics: Synergy Between HIRAX and LSST

Project Description:

Interacting dark energy models allow a non-gravitational exchange of energy or momentum between dark matter and dark energy, modifying both the cosmic expansion history and the growth of matter perturbations. These effects leave characteristic imprints on the clustering of matter and on weak gravitational lensing observables. This project investigates the characteristics of interacting dark energy (IDE) using large-scale structure probes, including neutral hydrogen and weak lensing (shear). To probe these signatures, we will combine HI clustering, cosmic shear, and HI–shear two-point correlations. The analysis is based on 3×2-point statistics and the synergy between the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) radio survey and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) shear survey.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UCT)(UKZN)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Programming skills in Python. Basic knowledge of cosmology.