arXiv subjects

Nikita Agarwal

Publications and source records attributed to Nikita Agarwal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

FIRE: Failure-Informed Runtime Engineering for Reliable Language-Model Agents

Language-model agents often reach a working solution and then fail to consistently deliver it. We study runtime policies: targeted natural-language instructions and action denials applied by the agent harness at states that preceded observed failures, without changing model weights or the user prompt. With this, keeping capability constant, we observe a meaningful unlock in delivered reliability. Across the complete 87-task Terminal-Bench 2.1 suite, with two attempts per task, policies increase repeated success (pass^2) in all three GPT-5.6 tiers: 50.6% to 54.0% for Luna, 55.2% to 60.9% for Terra, and 64.4% to 73.6% for Sol. Sol's best-of-two success changes by 1.2 points while repeated success rises by 9.2, showing that policies chiefly convert reachable solutions into dependable delivery. We further cover 14 tasks under Terra's frozen portfolio. Policy-guided Terra reaches 71.4%, compared with 64.3% for unassisted Sol, at about half the cost, demonstrating how engineering around models could unlock dependability for a use case. To isolate the mechanism we run a randomized five-arm experiment: real policies reach 61% on eligible tasks, versus 39% without a policy, 36% with a timing-matched sham, and 39 to 43% with generic verification or reconsideration. The intended corrective behavior appears in 22 of 24 coded policy attempts, against at most 14 in any other arm. Runtime policies are therefore a practical reliability layer: they make capabilities an agent already possesses substantially more repeatable.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2026

Pulsar Timing Array Sensitivity to Anisotropy: Empirical Sensitivity Curves, Scaling Relations, and the Multi-Resolution Pixel Basis

We quantify pulsar timing array (PTA) sensitivity to anisotropy in the gravitational wave background using the cross-correlation based Fisher information matrix in the pixel and spherical harmonic bases. We use a set of simulations to empirically determine scaling relations of a PTA's sensitivity to anisotropy with the number of pulsars $N_\mathrm{psr}$ in the array, the error $δt$ on the times of arrival, the frequency $f_\mathrm{GW}$ of the gravitational waves, and the angular scale $ΔΩ$ of the anisotropy. The sensitivity scales approximately as $N_\mathrm{psr}^{0.8}$, $δt^{-0.08}$, and $ΔΩ^{1.6}-ΔΩ^{2.1}$ (depending on the ranges of $\ell$ and $m$ under consideration). In addition, we use realistic simulations to project the NANOGrav PTA sensitivity to a 30-year baseline and quantify the growth in sensitivity at several timeslices. Except at the lowest frequencies, we find negligible effect on sensitivity through increasing the observation duration only. Finally, we introduce a multi-resolution pixel basis motivated by the large dependence of the sensitivity on sky location, and demonstrate the operation of the basis through a set of injections and recoveries.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

On a family of pseudo-Anosov-like maps on the infinite ladder surface

Let $S_g$ be the closed surface of genus $g$, $\mathcal{L}$ be the infinite Jacob's ladder surface, and $\mathrm{Map}(S)$ denote the mapping class group of a surface $S$. Let $q_g:\mathcal{L}\to S_g$ be the regular infinite-sheeted cover with deck transformation group $\mathbb{Z}$. In this paper, we show the existence of ``pseudo-Anosov-like'' maps on $\mathcal{L}$ that arise as the lifts of Penner-type pseudo-Anosov maps on $S_g$ under the cover $q_g$. Furthermore, we establish that these lifts are topologically transitive, mixing, and support null recurrent dynamics. Moreover, we present concrete examples of infinite families of such maps on $\mathcal{L}$.

math.GT↗

arXiv2026

The NANOGrav 15 yr Data Set: Impacts of Customized Chromatic Noise Models on Gravitational Wave Analyses

We report updated nHz gravitational wave (GW) significance, characterization, and interpretations using the customized chromatic-noise models (CNMs) developed in Larsen, Baier et al. (2026). for the NANOGrav 15-year data set. We find increased evidence for the Hellings-Downs (HD) correlation signature of the stochastic gravitational wave background (GWB), with a Bayes factor of $1571\pm14$ for HD-correlations over a common uncorrelated red-noise process using a power-law model with $14$ Fourier modes. We find this $\sim8\times$ increase in Bayes factor from Agazie et al. (2023a) is a result of improved noise mitigation. Assuming an analytic null distribution for the frequentist interpulsar correlation statistic, this corresponds to a slightly more significant measurement from $3.16σ$ to $3.32σ$ against the no-correlation scenario. Spectral inference with CNMs brings the power-law GWB amplitude down to $A_{\rm GWB} = 2.1^{+0.6}_{-0.5}\times10^{-15}$ at fixed $γ_{\rm GWB} = 13/3$. In a varied-$γ$ analysis, the spectral index increases to $γ_{\rm GWB}=3.5^{+0.7}_{-0.6}$. We report updates on an all-sky continuous gravitational wave (CW) search as well as select targeted searches and calculate a $3.2\times$ larger detection volume for the NANOGrav detector. With CNMs, we find reduced evidence for a non-Einsteinian, scalar-transverse mode of gravity. Finally, we reinterpret the GWB first with the assumption of an astrophysical background sourced by SMBHBs and then assuming the more exotic origins of cosmic inflation, a first-order cosmological phase transition, and stable cosmic strings. Under both the SMBHB hypothesis and the cosmological hypotheses, we see only marginal shifts in model parameter posteriors which are consistent with the slightly quieter and steeper power-law GWB spectrum.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

Gravitational Wave Measurement of the $M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$ Intrinsic Scatter at High Redshift

The observed GWB spectrum is higher in amplitude than model predictions by a factor of 2-3. Using a semi-analytic model, we evaluate the effect of a high-scatter supermassive black hole (SMBH) scaling relation ($M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$) on models of the nanohertz gravitational wave background (GWB). By implementing an intrinsic scatter of the $M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$ relation, which is larger at higher redshift, but matches local observations, we find that the amplitude of GWB models increases to be consistent with the low-frequency end of the GWB spectrum. This amplitude increase is not uniform across frequencies, a strongly evolving scatter preferentially increases the number density of the most massive SMBHs which, in the GWB spectrum, minimizes the strength of the low-frequency turnover. Our models with positively evolving intrinsic scatter can reproduce the electromagnetically observed overmassive SMBHs at $4 < z < 6$ without changing the $M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$ normalization though we find that including moderate normalization evolution marginally improves fits to the GWB data. We conclude that the $M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$ relation which best describes the available GWB and electromagnetic data sets has intrinsic scatter that evolves as $\varepsilon(z) = \varepsilon_0 + (0.56 \pm 0.4) \log_{10}(1 + z)$ and normalization that evolves as $α(z) = α_0 (1 + z)^{0.84 \pm 0.35}$. The results of this work imply that the $M_\mathrm{BH}$-$M_\mathrm{bulge}$ relation we see today is not universal throughout cosmic time and that a diversity of seeding models and growth mechanisms may be at play in the early stages of SMBH-galaxy evolution.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

The NANOGrav 15 yr Data Set: Targeted Searches for Supermassive Black Hole Binaries

We present the first targeted searches for continuous gravitational waves (CWs) from 114 active galactic nuclei (AGN) that may host supermassive black hole binaries, using the NANOGrav 15 yr data set. By incorporating electromagnetic priors on sky location, distance, redshift, and CW frequency, our strain and chirp mass upper limits are typically improved by a factor of $\sim 2$ (median 2.2) relative to all-sky limits at the same frequency. Bayesian comparisons against a model including only a Hellings-Downs correlated background disfavors a CW signal for all targets, with a mean Bayes factor of $0.73 \pm 0.32$. Two targets have Bayes factors slightly above unity, but coherence tests, random targeting experiments, and a conservative accounting of the 114-target trials factor all indicate that they are consistent with noise. We use these two candidates as worked examples to illustrate an end-to-end targeted CW search analysis and a suite of follow up tests that future promising candidates would need to pass. We find that the electromagnetic interpretations of both candidates are ambiguous, and we update the constraints on a putative binary in 3C 66B, ruling out part of its previously allowed parameter space. Ultimately, our results demonstrate the current sensitivity of targeted pulsar timing array searches for CWs and define a roadmap for future multimessenger CW detections.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

On Escape rate for subshift with Markov measure

In this paper, we consider a subshift of finite type with Markov measure. By considering a union of cylinders as holes, we investigate the exponential growth rate of measure of points whose orbits do not escape into the hole over a fixed number of iterations. We present two formulations for this escape rate: one based on the spectral radius of the Hadamard product of a related adjacency matrix and the stochastic matrix with respect to which the Markov measure is defined, and the other utilizing a recurrence relation. These formulations enable a comparative analysis of escape rates into distinct holes.

math.DS↗

arXiv2023

Stability of Reset and Impulsive Continuous-time Linear Switched Systems

We study stability issue of reset and impulsive switched systems. We find time constraints (dwell time and flee time) on switching signals which stabilize a given reset switched system. For a given collection of matrices, we find an assignment of resets and time constraints on switching signals which guarantee stability of the reset switched system. Similar results are obtained for impulsive switched systems as well. Two techniques, namely, analysis of flow of the system and the multiple Lyapunov function approach is used to obtain the results. The results are later generalized to obtain mode-dependent time constraints for stability of these systems.

math.DS↗

arXiv2023

A combinatorial approach to study subshifts associated with multigraphs

A subshift of finite type over finitely many symbols can be described as a collection of all infinite walks on a digraph with at most a single edge from a vertex to another. The associated finite set $\F$ of forbidden words is a constraint which determines the language of the shift entirely. In this paper, in order to describe infinite walks on a multigraph, we introduce the notion of multiplicity of a word (finite walk) and define repeated words as those having multiplicity at least $2$. In general, for given collections $\F$ of forbidden words and $\R$ of repeated words with pre-assigned multiplicities, we define notion of a generalized language which is a multiset. We obtain a subshift associated with $\F$ and $\R$ such that its entropy is calculated using the generalized language. We also study the relationship between the language of this subshift and the generalized language. We then obtain a combinatorial expression for the generating function that enumerates the number of words of fixed length in this generalized language. This gives the Perron root and eigenvectors of the adjacency matrix with integer entries associated to the underlying multigraph. Using this, the topological entropy and an alternate definition of Parry measure for the associated edge shift are obtained. We also discuss some properties of Markov measures on this subshift.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

The Indian Pulsar Timing Array: First data release

We present the pulse arrival times and high-precision dispersion measure estimates for 14 millisecond pulsars observed simultaneously in the 300-500 MHz and 1260-1460 MHz frequency bands using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). The data spans over a baseline of 3.5 years (2018-2021), and is the first official data release made available by the Indian Pulsar Timing Array collaboration. This data release presents a unique opportunity for investigating the interstellar medium effects at low radio frequencies and their impact on the timing precision of pulsar timing array experiments. In addition to the dispersion measure time series and pulse arrival times obtained using both narrowband and wideband timing techniques, we also present the dispersion measure structure function analysis for selected pulsars. Our ongoing investigations regarding the frequency dependence of dispersion measures have been discussed. Based on the preliminary analysis for five millisecond pulsars, we do not find any conclusive evidence of chromaticity in dispersion measures. Data from regular simultaneous two-frequency observations are presented for the first time in this work. This distinctive feature leads us to the highest precision dispersion measure estimates obtained so far for a subset of our sample. Simultaneous multi-band uGMRT observations in Band 3 and Band 5 are crucial for high-precision dispersion measure estimation and for the prospect of expanding the overall frequency coverage upon the combination of data from the various Pulsar Timing Array consortia in the near future. Parts of the data presented in this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming third data release of the International Pulsar Timing Array.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Nanohertz Gravitational Wave Astronomy during the SKA Era: An InPTA perspective

Decades long monitoring of millisecond pulsars, which exhibit highly stable rotational periods, in pulsar timing array experiments is on the threshold of discovering nanohertz stochastic gravitational wave background. This paper describes the Indian Pulsar timing array (InPTA) experiment, which employs the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) for timing an ensemble of millisecond pulsars for this purpose. We highlight InPTA's observation strategies and analysis methods, which are relevant for a future PTA experiment with the more sensitive Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope. We show that the unique multi-sub-array multi-band wide-bandwidth frequency coverage of the InPTA provides Dispersion Measure estimates with unprecedented precision for PTA pulsars, e.g., ~ 2 x 10{-5} pc-cm{-3} for PSR J1909-3744. Configuring the SKA-low and SKA-mid as two and four sub-arrays respectively, it is shown that comparable precision is achievable, using observation strategies similar to those pursued by the InPTA, for a larger sample of 62 pulsars requiring about 26 and 7 hours per epoch for the SKA-mid and the SKA-low telescopes respectively. We also review the ongoing efforts to develop PTA-relevant general relativistic constructs that will be required to search for nanohertz gravitational waves from isolated super-massive black hole binary systems like blazar OJ 287. These efforts should be relevant to pursue persistent multi-messenger gravitational wave astronomy during the forthcoming era of the SKA telescope, the Thirty Meter Telescope, and the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Stability of Bimodal Planar Switched Linear Systems with Both Stable and Unstable Subsystems

We study dynamics of a bimodal planar linear switched system with a Hurwitz stable and an unstable subsystem. For given \textit{flee time} from the unstable subsystem, the goal is to find corresponding \textit{dwell time} in the Hurwitz stable subsystem so that the switched system is asymptotically stable. The dwell-flee relations obtained are in terms of certain smooth functions of the eigenvalues and (generalized) eigenvectors of the subsystem matrices. The results are extended to a special class of symmetric bilinear systems. The results are also extended to a multimodal planar linear switched system in which the switching is governed by an undirected star graph, where the internal node corresponds to a Hurwitz stable (unstable, respectively) subsystem and all the leaves correspond to unstable (Hurwitz stable, respectively) subsystems. For this multimodal system, dwell-flee relations are obtained as solutions of a minimax optimization problem.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

On the Perron root and eigenvectors associated with a subshift of finite type

In this paper, we describe the relationship between the Perron root and eigenvectors of an irreducible subshift of finite type with the correlation between the forbidden words in the subshift. In particular, we derive an expression for the Perron eigenvectors of the associated adjacency matrix. As an application, we obtain the Perron eigenvectors for irreducible $(0,1)$ matrices which are adjacency matrices for directed graphs. Moreover, we derive an alternate definition of the Parry measure in ergodic theory on an irreducible subshift of finite type.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

Subshifts of Finite Type with a Hole

This paper examines the relationship between the escape rate and the minimal period of the hole. We consider a subshift of finite type on $q$ symbols with a union of $t$ cylinders based at words of identical length $p$ as the hole. The escape rate into the hole relates to the asymptotic behavior of the number of words of fixed length that do not contain the fixed set of (forbidden) words at which the cylinders are based. We explore the relationship between the escape rate and $r(z)$, a rational function of the correlations between the forbidden words. In particular, we prove that there exists a constant $D(t,p)$ such that if $q>D(t,p)$, then the escape rate is faster for the hole with larger value of $r(z)$ evaluated at $D(t,p)$. Further, we consider two holes each of which is a union of cylinders based at words of equal length, having zero cross-correlation, and prove that the larger is the minimal period of the collection, the faster is the escape rate. However, when the cross-correlations are non-zero, we give examples to prove that this result fails to hold. Our results are more general than the existing ones known for maps conjugate to a full shift with a single cylinder as the hole. The existing results arise as a special case of our results.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

Low-frequency wideband timing of InPTA pulsars observed with the uGMRT

High-precision measurements of the pulsar dispersion measure (DM) are possible using telescopes with low-frequency wideband receivers. We present an initial study of the application of the wideband timing technique, which can simultaneously measure the pulsar times of arrival (ToAs) and DMs, for a set of five pulsars observed with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) as part of the Indian Pulsar Timing Array (InPTA) campaign. We have used the observations with the 300-500 MHz band of the uGMRT for this purpose. We obtain high precision in DM measurements with precisions of the order 10^{-6}cm^{-3}pc. The ToAs obtained have sub-μs precision and the root-mean-square of the post-fit ToA residuals are in the sub-μs range. We find that the uncertainties in the DMs and ToAs obtained with this wideband technique, applied to low-frequency data, are consistent with the results obtained with traditional pulsar timing techniques and comparable to high-frequency results from other PTAs. This work opens up an interesting possibility of using low-frequency wideband observations for precision pulsar timing and gravitational wave detection with similar precision as high-frequency observations used conventionally.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

Liftable mapping class groups of regular cyclic covers

Let $\mathrm{Mod}(S_g)$ be the mapping class group of the closed orientable surface of genus $g \geq 1$. For $k \geq 2$, we consider the standard $k$-sheeted regular cover $p_k: S_{k(g-1)+1} \to S_g$, and analyze the liftable mapping class group $\mathrm{LMod}_{p_k}(S_g)$ associated with the cover $p_k$. In particular, we show that $\mathrm{LMod}_{p_k}(S_g)$ is the stabilizer subgroup of $\mathrm{Mod}(S_g)$ with respect to a collection of vectors in $H_1(S_g,\mathbb{Z}_k)$, and also derive a symplectic criterion for the liftability of a given mapping class under $p_k$. As an application of this criterion, we obtain a normal series of $\mathrm{LMod}_{p_k}(S_g)$, which generalizes a well known normal series of congruence subgroups in $\mathrm{SL}(2,\mathbb{Z})$. Among other applications, we describe a procedure for obtaining a finite generating set for $\mathrm{LMod}_{p_k}(S_g)$ and examine the liftability of certain finite-order and pseudo-Anosov mapping classes.

math.GT↗

arXiv2021

Stability of bimodal planar linear switched systems

We consider bimodal planar switched linear systems and obtain dwell time bounds which guarantee their asymptotic stability. The dwell time bound obtained is a smooth function of the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the subsystem matrices. An optimal scaling of the eigenvectors is used to strengthen the dwell time bound. A comparison of our bounds with the dwell time bounds in the existing literature is also presented.

math.DS↗

arXiv2021

Evidence for profile changes in PSR J1713+0747 using the uGMRT

PSR J1713+0747 is one of the most precisely timed pulsars in the international pulsar timing array experiment. This pulsar showed an abrupt profile shape change between April 16, 2021 (MJD 59320) and April 17, 2021 (MJD 59321). In this paper, we report the results from multi-frequency observations of this pulsar carried out with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) before and after the event. We demonstrate the profile change seen in Band 5 (1260 MHz - 1460 MHz) and Band 3 (300 MHz - 500 MHz). The timing analysis of this pulsar shows a disturbance accompanying this profile change followed by a recovery with a timescale of $\sim 159$ days. Our data suggest that a model with chromatic index as a free parameter is preferred over models with combinations of achromaticity with DM bump or scattering bump. We determine the frequency dependence to be $\simν^{+1.34}$.

astro-ph.HE↗