Presidential Young Investigator Award: Problems in Theoretical High Energy Astrophysics

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This project is directed at various topics in theoretical high energy astrophysics, dealing primarily with phenomena in the vicinity of astronomical compact objects such as neutron stars, white dwarfs, and active galactic nuclei. It includes models of cosmic gamma-ray burst sources toward understanding the origin of the optical flashes that are occasionally detected from these systems; models of the class of cosmic X- ray burst sources whose spectra may be used to infer the properties of accretion disks in these systems; studying the evolution of compact binary stars, such as magnetic cataclysmic variables, in which the coupling of the white dwarf's magnetic field to the companion star affects the binary's evolutionary history; and studying the nuclei of active galaxies. This work should increase our understanding of the basic physical processes that govern the dynamics of the exotic astrophysical objects cited. While no specific applicability to terrestrial systems is anticipated, some of these processes are of interest in other areas as well.