Astroparticle Physics

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

The physics and origin of charged cosmic rays are discussed. Fermi shockwave acceleration is presented as a possible explanation of the energy spectrum. Propagation of ultra high energy cosmic rays and the GZK cutoff for protons and gamma rays, predictions of fluxes for neutrinos such as the Waxman-Bahcal limit are discussed. The candidate sources for ultra high energy cosmic ray are reviewed. Evidence for dark matter in the universe is covered together with possible candidates, especially from the super symmetric extension of the Standard Model of particle physics. Implications for ultra high energy cosmic radiation are summarised. The neutrino spectrum from the sun as predicted by the solar model is presented. The measurements of this flux and the flux of atmospheric neutrinos (SuperKamiokande, Homestake, SAGE and Gallex) are reviewed in the context of neutrino oscillations. Implications of oscillations for the cosmic neutrino flux are given. Finally, a review of the present and future cosmic ray experiments, especially the high energy neutrino and TeV photon telescopes, is given.

Study materials

Other

• Lecture Notes and book: T. Gaisser et al., Cosmic Rays and Particle Physics (second edition!!)

Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce students in the field of astroparticle physics, in particular regarding cosmic-ray related topics, both in theory and in relation with key-experiments.

At the end of the course the students should able to have knowledge and apply this knowledge concerning the following points:

• Students should be able to explain what cosmic rays are
• Students should be able to explain how we detect cosmic rays, gamma-rays and neutrinos and give examples of experimental implementations.
• Students should be able to explain how we are able to locate the origins of cosmic

  rays.

• Students should be able to explain the principles of diffusive shock acceleration

• Students should know the basics of cosmic ray diffusion and its connection with

  magnetic fields.

• Students should be able to explain what the solar neutrino problem is, and what the likely solution to this problem is.

• Students should be able to explain what neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy are

• Students should be able to explain what the connection is between astrophysical gamma-rays, cosmic-rays and neutrinos.

• Students should be able to explain how measurements of cosmic-rays, gamma-rays and neutrinos contribute to the understanding of their sources, and what are the most likely source for electrons/positrons, Galactic cosmic rays, and extra-galactic cosmic rays.

• Students can solve elementary problems in astroparticle physics, in particular related to the creation and acceleration of particles, their propagation, interaction and detection.

• Students can give a critical review of recent publications in astroparticle physics.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Lectures and tutorials: provide an overview of the field. The students are also requested to write a short summary/essay on a recent paper in the literature. Two suggestions for papers will be provided. 

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• Jacco Vink