Sr. No.	Project Details	Name of Supervisor
1.	Title: Decoding the Local Distance Network and the Hubble Constant Abstract: The project will focus on utilising the recently released open-source code on the local distance network to understand how the direct measurement of the present expansion rate of the Universe is done. The applicant will focus on the component of the distance network specific to stars and try to understand how variable stars such as Cepheids, Miras, Tip of the Red Giant Branch, play a central role in the determination of the Hubble constant. Prerequisites: Computational skills and programming in python/IDL are mandatory for this project.	Prof. Anupam Bhardwaj
2.	Title: Analytical modelling/ simulations of the fiber based distributed sensing Abstract: We are experimenting with optical fiber based distributed sensing of acoustics, ground motion, pressure and temperature. We are looking forward to an analytical model or Monte Carlo simulation analogue to the experiment.	Prof. Subhadeep De
3.	Title: Cavity ring-down spectroscopy Abstract: We are building a high finesse Fabry-Perot cavity. The resonator decay time is proportional to its Finesse. The finesse of the cavity has to be measured using a cavity-ringdown spectroscopy.	Prof. Subhadeep De
4.	Title: Heatshield design for transportable Fabry-Perot cavity Abstract: We are developing a transportable Fabry-Perot cavity, which need to be thermally isolated from environmental temperature fluctuation. This needs careful design of the heatshields. The student has to design the heat shields and perform necessary simulations to show its efficacy.	Prof. Subhadeep De
5.	Title: Optical fiber based pressure sensing Abstract: We demonstrated sensing of seismic and acoustic signals using an optical fiber based ultra sensitive distributed sensor. We now plan to use this for pressure sensing in air and also in underwater. The student is expected to perform necessary experiment to demonstrated fiber based pressure sensing.	Prof. Subhadeep De
6.	Title: System integration and testing of the extended cavity diode laser Abstract: We are indigenously developing a 1550 nm laser systems. The student needs to assemble the laser optic setup, test and characterize it.	Prof. Subhadeep De
7.	Title: Detecting the microseismic motion using L4C geophones Abstract: L4C is a popular geophone used in seismic sensing and oil exploration. We would like to build a very low-noise, high-gain amplifier for this sensor such that we can see and measure seismic motion in the frequency range of 0.01 - 10 Hz and higher with this transducer. The project involves building and characterising an analog amplifier followed by signal analysis to extract the microseismic signal from these sensors. Further we will also measure the internal noise of the sensor using a huddle test to reveal the limiting noise sources in the measurement. Desired qualifications: MSc (Physics), BE, BTech in analog and digital electronics, signal processing, engineering physics and related fields. Exposure to previous laboratory work is preferred.	Dr. Suresh Doravari
8.	Title: Measurement of internal noise of a Folded Pendulum Seismometer Abstract: A Folded Pendulum Seismometer (FPS) is tuned to achieve high sensitivity in the frequency range of 0.01 to 10 Hz. This frequency range is of particular interest in Gravitational Wave detectors, such as LIGO-India, as sensing ground motion and compensating for it is an essential feature of seismic isolators utilised in these detectors. In order to build high sensitivity seismometers, we need to be able to measure the noise sources within the sensor which limit the sensitivity. The chief among these noise sources arises in the mechanical dissipation of energy in the sensor. This project aims to measure the internal noise in the FPS built by us and estimates the dominant contributing sources. Prerequisites: M.Sc. (Physics), B.E., B.Tech in electronics, signal processing, engineering physics and related fields. Exposure to previous laboratory work is preferred.	Dr. Suresh Doravari
9.	Title: Probing the Circumgalactic Medium Abstract: Galaxies are enveloped by an invisible cloak of diffuse gas termed as the circumgalactic medium or CGM. Lying at the interface between a galaxy and its wider environment, the CGM modulates not only the accretion and ejection of material in the galaxy, but also the interaction of the galaxy with the larger-scale environment. Moreover, the CGM is a major reservoir of baryons in the Universe, and plays a key role in the star formation and evolution of galaxies. Due to its low density, the CGM is most effectively probed in absorption against bright background sources such as quasars. This project will involve using absorption lines in quasar spectra to study the connection between galaxies and the CGM. Prerequisites: Python programming skills, data analysis and statistics.	Prof. Rajeshwari Dutta
10.	Title: Optimisation of seismometer design parameters by fine-tuning the coupler curve of a four-bar Roberts Linkage Abstract: Four-bar linkages are classical mechanical systems capable of generating complex trajectories. Seismic isolators and seismic sensors utilise such linkages to attenuate seismic noise from reaching suspended platforms. In such applications we choose linkage geometries to produce coupler curves that approximate straight lines. The goal of this project is to analytically study these trajectories, under small-angle approximations, and express the exact coupler curves as a function of linkage parameters. Such a relationship would then enable us to fine-tune the linkage design to obtain very low-frequency and compact seismometers. Prerequisites: Proficiency in multivariable calculus, Python/Matlab programming.	Dr. Apratim Ganguly
11.	Title: Probing the compact stellar sources in nearby galaxies Abstract: The project will exploit X-ray (XMM, Chandra, eROSITA) and UV (Astrosat/UVIT) observations of nearby galaxies to identify and characterize compact stellar sources and study their formation efficiency as a function of star formation rate and stellar mass. In particular understanding the population of objects in the Magellanic bridge which formed due to tidal interaction between the LMC, SMC and Milky Way will serve as a benchmark in understanding formation of tidal features in our Local Group of Galaxies. Prerequisites: Basics of programming, bash, python and familiar with statistical methods and numerical techniques.	Prof. Chandreyee Maitra
12.	Title: Tracing cool gas around galaxies using neutral sodium absorption in quasar spectra Abstract: Gas around galaxies plays an important role in galaxy evolution, but detecting its cool neutral component is often challenging. In this project, we will use spectroscopic data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) to search for weak neutral sodium (Na I D) absorption associated with foreground galaxies at redshifts 0 < z < 0.6. Since these signals are expected to be faint, the project will focus on stacking large numbers of quasar spectra in the rest frame of galaxies to enhance the absorption signature. The student will work on building and testing this stacking-based analysis, and will help measure basic properties of the detected absorption, such as equivalent width and velocity spread. This project will offer experience with real survey data and provide insight into the distribution of cool gas in galaxy halos and its connection to galaxy evolution. Prerequisites: The project requires familiarity with Python and the Linux environment. Some prior exposure to astronomical spectra and basic spectroscopic principles will be very helpful.	Prof. Sowgat Muzahid / Dr. Abhijeet Anand
13.	Title: Measuring gas kinematics in low-mass star forming galaxies using MUSE Abstract: The selected student will work on determining the kinematics of ionized gas for a carefully selected sample of low-mass, star-forming galaxies from the MUSEQuBES survey using VLT/MUSE data. These measurements will then be correlated with circumgalactic medium (CGM) properties to investigate the kinematic connection between gas in the interstellar medium (ISM) and in the CGM to better understand gas flows in galaxies. Students with proficiency in Python will be given preference.	Prof. Sowgat Muzahid
14.	Title: Fast and robust quasar continuum modelling for large spectroscopic surveys Abstract: Modern spectroscopic surveys now provide millions of quasar spectra, creating a strong need for continuum-modelling methods that are uniform, fast, reliable, and scalable. In this project, we will work on developing a robust pipeline to model quasar continua using data-driven techniques, with a particular focus on methods such as non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). The student will explore how such methods can be used to represent quasar spectra efficiently and to build continuum models that can be applied uniformly across large datasets from surveys such as HST, DESI and SDSS, and eventually to upcoming surveys like WEAVE and 4MOST. The project will involve both algorithmic development and practical testing on real data, and will give the student exposure to the intersection of astronomy, statistics, and machine learning. Prerequisites: The project requires familiarity with Python and the Linux environment. Some prior exposure to astronomical spectra and basic spectroscopic principles will be very helpful.	Prof. Sowgat Muzahid / Dr. Abhijeet Anand
15.	Title: Characterizing the Gamma-ray Flaring Episodes of Jetted Active Galactic Nuclei Abstract: Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) launching collimated, bipolar outflows of relativistically moving plasma are the most powerful persistent sources of electromagnetic radiation in the Universe. Also termed as blazars and radio galaxies, they are the most numerous types of astrophysical objects detected at MeV-to-TeV energies with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). One of their defining characteristics is large-amplitude, erratic brightness changes observed at all timescales, from minutes to years. In this VSP project, we will analyze the high-quality gamma-ray observations of a large sample of jetted AGN with the main goal of characterizing their temporal and spectral flux variations. The subsequent physical interpretation of the derived results will allow us to unravel the physical processes responsible for the observed variability behavior. The successful candidate is expected to regularly communicate with the project supervisor to learn tools and techniques and gain adequate knowledge about the research topic before coming to IUCAA. The VSP work can be extended as an M.Sc. thesis project. Prerequisites: Fluency in Python programming is mandatory, and previous exposure to AGN/ transients/high-energy astrophysics will be considered a plus.	Prof. Vaidehi Paliya
16.	Title: The boundaries of dark matter halos Abstract: The recently developed high-resolution cosmological N-body simulation suite Sahyadri (https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.07924) will be used to construct mock galaxy catalogs mimicking galaxy samples in current and upcoming surveys such as DESI and 4MOST. We will apply cross-correlation techniques to empirically identify the boundaries of the dark matter halos that host galaxy groups and study their dependence on the choice of cosmological model. The techniques will be calibrated by comparing to the known ground truth provided by the simulations, and are expected to then be applicable to the observed galaxy samples. Prerequisites: Pre-requisites: I. Demonstrated proficiency in Python and strong aptitude for numerical work (please clearly mention your experience in the application material) II. good understanding of basic probability and statistics III. familiarity with basic cosmology (FLRW universe, distance-redshift relations, energy components in the standard Lambda-CDM model, etc.)	Prof. Aseem Paranjape
17.	Title: Galaxy-halo connection and mock galaxy catalogs for Stage-4 surveys Abstract: The recently developed high-resolution cosmological N-body simulation suite Sahyadri (https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.07924) will be used to construct mock galaxy catalogs mimicking galaxy samples in current and upcoming surveys such as DESI and 4MOST. We will apply Fisher techniques to study the potential degeneracy between the prescription for the galaxy-halo connection on the one hand and the possible evolution of the dark energy equation of state on the other. The results are likely to become a critical component of interpreting the small-scale observed cosmic web in these surveys. Along the way, we will produce visualizations of the expected evolving galaxy population in the variety of cosmological models provided by the Sahyadri suite. Prerequisites: Pre-requisites: I. Demonstrated proficiency in Python and strong aptitude for numerical work (please clearly mention your experience in the application material) II. good understanding of basic probability and statistics III. familiarity with basic cosmology (FLRW universe, distance-redshift relations, energy components in the standard Lambda-CDM model, etc.)	Prof. Aseem Paranjape
18.	Title: High-Power Enhancement Cavities for Next-Generation Gravitational Wave Detectors Abstract: The direct detection of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) has established interferometric laser detectors as powerful tools with extreme sensitivity. These measurements rely critically on high-finesse, high-power optical cavities that enhance laser power and suppress classical and quantum noise. This project focuses on the design and optimization of high-power enhancement cavities in some of the essential subsystems in advanced gravitational-wave detectors. This work combines analytical modelling and numerical simulations to investigate cavity stability criteria, power build-up, thermal lensing mitigation, mirror coating performance, and nonlinear crystal integration. By optimizing loss mechanisms and managing high-power effects, the project aims to improve cavity efficiency, squeezing performance, and overall detector sensitivity, contributing to enhanced quantum-limited performance in next-generation gravitational-wave observatories. Prerequisites: Python, Basic optics and/or electromagnetic theory and/or non-linear optics as part of coursework desirable.	Dr. Manasadevi Thirugnanasambandam