Hot and Energetic Universe with XRISM and newAthena
I explore the role of supermassive black holes in shaping the circulation of matter and energy within galaxies and galaxy clusters, investigating how this energy is transported and dissipated across vast cosmic scales. By leveraging high-resolution spectroscopic data from XRISM, a JAXA-NASA mission with ESA and SRON participation launched in 2023, and preparing for the advanced capabilities of the future ESA newAthena mission, I aim to reveal the fundamental interplay between black holes and their environments. My research also extends to the study of charge exchange emission, a spectral diagnostics that can provide key insights into energetic interactions across the universe.
This work also builds on observations using existing flagship X-ray missions, Chandra and XMM-Newton, which continue to provide high quality data for X-ray astrophysics. As the principal investigator for the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) onboard XMM-Newton and the Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) onboard Chandra, I am committed to ensuring the continued scientific productivity of these crucial instruments in collaboration with the astrophysics community.
Advancing X-ray Spectroscopy with SPEX
SPEX, a cornerstone of X-ray spectral analysis with a legacy at SRON dating back to the 1970s, remains an essential tool for interpreting data from both current and upcoming X-ray observatories. My work focuses on the continuous development and refinement of the SPEX atomic database and physical models, enhancing their precision and applicability across diverse astrophysical environments. My goal is to ensure that SPEX remains the leading spectral analysis tool for the entire X-ray community, unlocking the full scientific potential of XRISM and newAthena.
