Soutenance de thèse - Niklas Moszczynski

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation provides significant value by integrating high-resolution interferometric data with sophisticated 3D radiative transfer modeling, offering a novel perspective on AGN dust structures. The argumentation is solid, systematically comparing model predictions with observations and addressing discrepancies. The candidate demonstrates a clear understanding of the physical processes and the limitations of current models. The use of multiple instruments and wavelengths strengthens the conclusions, and the critical analysis of previous models adds depth. The argumentation is well-structured, moving from observational evidence to model development and validation.

The title accurately reflects the content: a PhD defense presentation by Niklas Moszczynski.

8/10

The presentation is a PhD defense, based on original research, peer-reviewed work, and published data from major instruments (VLTI, GRAVITY, MATISSE, LBTI). The methodology is rigorous, using 3D radiative transfer modeling and interferometric observations. The candidate demonstrates deep understanding and critical analysis. Minor limitations include the inherent complexity and the need for further validation.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction and welcome by the jury president.
• 02:00Introduction to AGN and unification model.
• 10:00Explanation of interferometry and VLTI instruments.
• 20:00Presentation of GRAVITY observations of NGC 1068.
• 30:00Presentation of MATISSE observations and disk+wind model.
• 40:00Introduction to radiative transfer and SKIRT code.
• 50:00Results on radial temperature profiles and broken power laws.
• 1:00:003D radiative transfer modeling of NGC 1068 and comparison with observations.
• 1:10:00Discussion of over-resolved component and its impact.
• 1:20:00Conclusions and future work.

• GRAVITY Collaboration (2020) — GRAVITY observations of NGC 1068 revealing a ring-like sublimation rim.
• MATISSE Collaboration (2021) — MATISSE mid-IR observations showing disk+wind structure.
• Leftley et al. (2021) — Joint analysis of GRAVITY and MATISSE data with a disk+wind model.
• LBTI observations — Larger-scale observations linking dusty wind to shock-heated bubble.

• GRAVITY Collaboration (2020) — Supports the presence of a hot inner dust ring.
• MATISSE Collaboration (2021) — Supports the disk+wind structure.
• Leftley et al. (2021) — Joint model consistent with both instruments.

• Previous smooth torus models — The static smooth torus model is insufficient to explain the observed data, leading to the disk+wind model.