Research Projects

The Sun is a highly dynamic astrophysical object whose eruptive activities such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can have extreme impacts on space weather and, by extension, human technological infrastructure. These transients are fundamentally driven by magnetic reconnection and the acceleration of high-energy particles, which emit strongly across the radio spectrum, particularly in the microwave frequency range (1 - 4 GHz). Despite this, there exists an observational gap in the microwave domain, especially in the Asian time zone (02:00–08:00 UT), where no dedicated solar radio imaging instruments are currently operational. This project proposes the development of signal processing algorithms to support solar observations in the microwave frequency range, addressing a critical gap in both regional capability and global solar monitoring efforts. The proposed work aligns closely with India's space science objectives, particularly complementing the Aditya-L1 solar mission, which lacks any radio instruments. While Aditya-L1’s payloads such as SUIT, VELC, and the ground-based PRL's USO-MAST offer valuable data in the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, they lack direct insights into the electron acceleration mechanisms and propagation paths that radio observations uniquely provide. Radio emissions in the microwave regime originate from the upper chromosphere and lower corona regions that are key to understanding the initial acceleration and dynamics of energetic particles as well as the solar transients. These emissions carry signatures of crucial plasma parameters, including density, magnetic field strength, temperature, and velocity, and are thus essential for studying the early stages of solar eruptions. The primary scientific objectives of this project include investigating the kinematics and dynamics of solar eruptions through their radio signatures, which inherently trace the paths of energetic electrons and protons. Understanding these processes is essential for developing early-warning systems for geomagnetic storms and enhancing our predictive capabilities. To do so, through this project we plan to develop and implement novel digital signal processing algorithms to record and analyse interferometric data (using Single Board Computers (SBCs) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs)). Furthermore, algorithms like multiscale CLEAN and self calibration would be integrated with the developed algorithms for solar observation in microwave range. Additionally, the validation of the developed algorithm would be carried out using simulated and/or trial observations. Moreover, PRL hosts a unique 50 cm optical solar telescope, which observes the lower chromosphere. With the upcoming Advanced Radio Telescope Udaipur Network for Solar and Space Weather Research (ARUN-SSW) at USO for the regular observations of lower corona and upper chromosphere, this proposal will complement the signal processing, data acquisition, and analysis.