My Research Interests

My main research interests include CMB foregrounds, magnetic fields in star formation , measuring the interstellar magnetic field strength via UV polarimetry , extragalactic dust via Supernova Type Ia , and dust dynamics in magnetized plasma.

CMB Foregrounds: Anomalous Microwave Emission and Polarization

We present an improved model of spinning dust emission by quantifying the important physical effects disregarded in the previous models. In particular, we obtain realistic theoretical predictions for the polarization of spinning dust emission and magnetic dipole emission from magnetic nanoparticles.

Magnetic Fields in Star Formation via Dust Polarimetry

Magnetic fields are expected to play important roles in star formation, and dust polarization offers a unique way to trace magnetic fields in dense regions where stars form. Here we first develop a quantitative theory of grain alignment based on radiative torques and perform numerical modeling of dust polarization to test with observational data. The ultimate goal of my research in this area is to unveil the roles of magnetic fields in star formation and lead to a better understanding in dust physics.

Measuring the Magnetic Field Strength via UV Polarimetry

To date, dust polarization only provides us the direction of the magnetic field in the sky. We suggest a novel method to measure the strength of interstellar magnetic fields through UV polarimetry, by combining UV polarization observations, inversion technique, and theoretical calculations of paramagnetic alignment of small dust grains.

Probing Extragalactic Dust with Supernova Type Ia

This project uses inversion technique to probing properties of interstellar dust in galaxies hosting four Supernova (SN) Type Ia with anomalous polarization curves. This especially provides an independent way to test the different models of the progenitors of SNe Ia explosion.

Dynamics of Charged Dust Grains in Magnetized Plasma

Dust coagulation is widely believed to be the first step during the process of planetesimal formation. It depends on relative velocities of grains and grain drifting motion through the ambient gas. This project investigates new acceleration mechanisms of charged grains by MHD turbulence, radiation pressure in different environment conditions.