The Deep Synoptic Array: Fast Radio Burst Probes of the Unseen Universe

Explore the mysteries of fast radio bursts (FRBs) and their role in probing the unseen universe in this captivating physics colloquium. Delve into the groundbreaking research conducted by Vikram Ravi from Caltech Astronomy, focusing on the Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-110) radio telescope. Learn about the origins of FRBs, their potential as tracers of baryonic matter, and their significance in studying the hot and diffuse gas surrounding galaxies. Discover the latest findings from the DSA-110 FRB sample, including insights into FRB progenitor channels and measurements of the Milky Way's circumgalactic medium and nearby galaxy cluster environments. Gain an understanding of the upcoming DSA-2000 radio camera and its potential to revolutionize our access to the radio sky, addressing key questions in cosmic history, multi-messenger astronomy, and time-domain astrophysics.