Research

The Oxford node has a long history of direct involvement in large optical and infrared surveys:

1. The observations for the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey were organised by Oxford (Dalton). This process involved developing optimisation software for placing fibres on each if the 300,000 targets, and configuring each observing run in advance. The complex interface between the photometric input data and the spectroscopic observations were organised as part of this process. Dalton also participates in the analysis of the results from this survey.
2. Oxford (Miller + 2 PhD students) is one of the co-investigators for the 2dF Quasar Redshift Survey. Oxford was responsible for developing the fully-automated spectroscopic analysis that allowed target spectroscopic classification and redshift determination to be carried out. Miller continues to be involved in the analysis of data from this survey, especially the measurement of large-scale structure and its evolution, and the determination of cosmological parameters. The 2dF galaxy and quasar redshift surveys are in collaboration with groups that include Durham.
3. Oxford (Dalton, Miller, Rawlings + 5 PhD students + 1 postdoc) also has constructed a wide-area optical and infrared photometric survey from data obtained with the wide-field camera on the INT 2.5-m. and the MDM 1.5-m. The aim is to survey up to 30 sq degs in five optical and one infrared waveband, and the survey is about 50 percent complete. The principal scientific aims are: to measure the evolution of faint galaxy clustering; to quantify the luminosity function and spatial distribution of extremely-red objects (EROs), with a view to linking the populations that constitute EROs to galaxy evolution models; to carry out a large-area weak-lensing survey to directly measure the power-spectrum of mass fluctuations; and to produce a deep identification database that can be cross-correlated with deep radio and X-ray surveys.
4. Oxford is developing significant activity in semi-analytical approaches to large-scale structure (Devriendt, Silk), in cosmological numerical simulations (Taylor), in cosmological hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation (Slyz), and in population synthesis applied to distant galaxies with the aim of mock deep image construction (Yi). Silk has active collaborations with MPIA (Burkert) on galaxy formation.

Key scientific staff

Pre-doctoral position - terms and conditions

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