‘As numerical simulations intertwine with astronomical observations, we navigate through the celestial realm where black holes write their stories using light and shadow.’
Professor Jane Lixin DAIAssociate Professor of the Department of Physics
- 2021 NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong & Macau)
- 2019 Sophie and Tycho Brahe Visiting Professorship, Niels Bohr Institute, Denmark
- 2018 Block Award, Aspen Center for Physics
Research Interests:
Time-domain astronomy; high-energy astrophysics; multi-messenger astrophysics; black home accretion and jets; tidal disruption events; large-scale numerical simulations.
Black holes are among the universe’s most awe-inspiring enigmas. They warp time, devour stars, and shape galaxies, yet their true nature remains elusive. What fuels their immense gravitational pull? How do they interact with their surroundings? And what can they reveal about the fundamental laws of physics? These questions drive Professor Jane Lixin Dai, in the Department of Physics, on her journey to uncover the ‘real face’ of black holes.
By combining innovative theories with cutting-edge simulations, Dai bridges the gap between abstract mathematics and real-world observations, leading to influential publications in Nature, Nature Astronomy, The Astrophysical Journal, and Space Science Reviews.
‘Black holes are like mirrors of the universe,’ she explains. ‘They reflect its most fundamental forces, but interpreting their reflections requires both imagination and precision.’
A conceptual image illustrating the tidal disruption of a Pop III star and its subsequent feeding of a massive black hole in the early universe. (Image credit: Space Telescope Science Institute/Ralf Crawford)
This simulation visualises the complex interactions between gas, radiation, and magnetic fields near a black hole. By modelling these dynamics under the framework of general relativity, Professor Jane DAI is uncovering new insights into the structure and behavior of black hole accretion disks. (Image credit: NASA/ESA/D.Player,STScl)
Shining a Light on Black Hole
In a breakthrough that has illuminated our understanding of black hole phenomena, Dai has developed a ‘unified model’ that explains one of astrophysics’ most perplexing puzzles: the varying brightness patterns of tidal disruption events. These cosmic spectacles occur when stars are torn apart by black holes’ immense gravitational forces, producing brilliant flares of light as stellar material is consumed.
Dai’s model reveals that the apparent dichotomy between X-ray and optical emissions in these events is actually a matter of perspective. ‘It’s like the ancient story of the blind men and the elephant,’ she says. ‘From certain viewing angles, we see X-rays produced as stellar gas falls into the black hole. But from other angles, the accretion “action site” is veiled by winds, where the X-rays are converted to optical light.’
This discovery has provided crucial insights into how black holes grow and release energy, answering fundamental questions about their behaviour and interactions with their surroundings.
Innovations in Astrophysics Calculations
Dai’s work goes beyond traditional theoretical models. Using advanced numerical simulations, she studies the complex interactions between gas, radiation, and magnetic fields near black holes under the framework of general relativity. Her simulations challenge simplified models of accretion disks, revealing a far more dynamic and intricate picture of these systems.
One key focus of her research is X-ray reverberation, a phenomenon that provides a unique observational window into the structure she models. By studying the ‘echoes’ produced when X-rays reflect off accretion disks, Dai is developing methods to probe their inner workings, offering unprecedented insights into black hole parameters and disk structures.
‘This technique allows us to test our theoretical predictions against observational data,’ she explains. ‘It’s a way to connect the simulations we create to what astronomers can actually observe with modern telescopes.’
By bridging the gap between theoretical models and observable phenomena, her work reveals more complex structures, including coronae and wind ejections, representing a significant step forward in our quest to understand these fundamental cosmic structures.
Expanding New Horizons
Guided by the light of recent breakthroughs in gravitational wave detection and black hole imaging, Dai stands at the forefront of the field of high-energy astrophysics. Her vision extends beyond singular achievements: she is committed to nurturing a robust research group, fostering global collaborations, and attracting top talent through a diverse array of initiatives.
Looking ahead, she hopes to make a broader impact in black hole astrophysics while continuing to address fundamental questions about the universe. ‘We’re only scratching the surface of what we know about black holes,’ she says. ‘There’s so much more to uncover.
Despite the vastness of the cosmos, Dai’s journey through the stars and black holes promises to be filled with impactful discoveries and cutting-edge research in astrophysics.
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