ASTROPARTICLE PHYSICS
Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: GIORGIO MARIA RICCOBENEExpected Learning Outcomes
The course is aimed at introducing the students to the fundamental concepts of astroparticle physics. Both experimental and
phenomenological aspects will be treated. The link between particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology will be critically
analysed. The student will understand the importance to investigate different messengers (neutrinos, cosmic rays, gamma rays)
to achieve a global view of our universe and to understand its evolution. The student will acquire a critical knowledge about the
most important and up-to-date topics in the field like the origin of dark matter and dark energy, the properties of neutrinos and
cosmic rays, as well as the most innovative detection techniques.
phenomenological aspects will be treated. The link between particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology will be critically
analysed. The student will understand the importance to investigate different messengers (neutrinos, cosmic rays, gamma rays)
to achieve a global view of our universe and to understand its evolution. The student will acquire a critical knowledge about the
most important and up-to-date topics in the field like the origin of dark matter and dark energy, the properties of neutrinos and
cosmic rays, as well as the most innovative detection techniques.
Course Structure
Lectures are provided in presence
Simple exercises are discussed and requested as homework or classwork.
In case of force majeur issues, the course will be held using videoconferencing tools in remote (consult the Academic Regulations of the Course of Studies)
Required Prerequisites
No compulsory prerequisites are required but the courses "Advanced Quantum Mechanics", "Nuclear and Particle Physics",
"General Relativity" are recommended.
"General Relativity" are recommended.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance to the course is usually compulsory, consult the Academic Regulations of the Course of Studies
Detailed Course Content
Cosmic Ray Physicsi: CR properties, spectrum, composition, acceleration, propagation
CR sources
Multimessenger Astrophysics: Neutrinos, cosmc rays, gamma and gravitational waves, phenomenology and detection techniques
Textbook Information
T. Stanev, High Energy Cosmic
Rays (2nd Edition),
Springer
M Longair – High Energy
Astrophysics (3rd edition),
Cambridge
C. Grupen, Astroparticle
Physics, Springer
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grupen | Astroparticle Physics | Springer | ||
| Longair | High Energy Astrophysics (3rd edition) | Cambridge | ||
| Stanev | High Energy Cosmic Rays (2nd Edition), | Springer |
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cosmic Ray Spectrum and composition | |
| 2 | CR propagation | |
| 3 | Leaky Box model | |
| 4 | CR Acceleration Mechanisms | |
| 5 | CR sources | |
| 6 | Introduction to Black Holes | |
| 7 | GZK Cutoff | |
| 8 | Multi Messenger Astrophysics | |
| 9 | Gamma Detection | |
| 10 | Neutrino Detection | |
| 11 | CR detection | |
| 12 | GW detection |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
LEARNING ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Learning evaluation methods and criteria: the exam will focus on an oral test aimed at verifying the student's critical abilities to
deal with the phenomenological and experimental problems of astroparticle physics. The ability and clarity of presentation, the
ability to frame the required topic in a general context and the ability to use the physical and calculation tools learned will be
verified.
Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.
Criteria for awarding the final grade: the final grade will arise from the outcome of the oral exam in which the greatest weight will
be given to the critical skills shown by the student.
Learning evaluation methods and criteria: the exam will focus on an oral test aimed at verifying the student's critical abilities to
deal with the phenomenological and experimental problems of astroparticle physics. The ability and clarity of presentation, the
ability to frame the required topic in a general context and the ability to use the physical and calculation tools learned will be
verified.
Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.
Criteria for awarding the final grade: the final grade will arise from the outcome of the oral exam in which the greatest weight will
be given to the critical skills shown by the student.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
The cosmic ray spectrum features
The Fermi Acceleration Mechanism
CR accelation in Supernovae
Leaky Box Model
Hillas Plot and CR sources
GZK Cutoff