A damped random walk (DRW) is a stochastic process defined by its exponential covariance matrix, which behaves as a normal random walk for short time scales and asymptotically achieves a finite variability amplitude at long time scales. The DRW is employed to provide a statistical description of observed Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) variability in the optical wavelength range 620 to 750 nm. The best fitting DRW, posterior probability distributions for the fitted DRW parameters, and the binned power spectral density alongside its autocorrelation function are fitted for an AGN and provide insight into the optical variability for an AGN.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Jain, Bhanuj

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042722-120556
• 64266

Keyword

• Optical Variabilty
• Active Galactic Nuclei
• Stochastic
• Astrophysics
• Power Spectral Density
• Damped Random Walk

Advisor

• Bernardi, Francesca
• Kafle, Rudra Prasad

Year

• 2022

Date created

• 2022-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Physics

Rights statement

• In Copyright