Course manual 2019/2020

Course content

The physics and origin of both charged cosmic rays and associated neutral messengers (photons and neutrinos) are discussed and their relation as complementary messengers is emphasized. Current observations of high-energy cosmic rays, gamma-rays and neutrinos are presented and 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. Emission processes of high-energy photons are discussed. The candidate sources for ultra high energy cosmic ray are reviewed. Students will be exposed to practice of data-analysis of high-energy gamma-ray observations. 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

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.
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
Self-study
Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
Computer lab session/practical training

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.

The course will be given by a team of lecturers, representing the multi-messenger and multi-disciplinary nature of the research field.

Learning activities

Activity	Hours
Class	28
Exam	3
Essay writing	16
Assignment class	28
Self study	93
Total	168	(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

Assessment

Item and weight	Details
Final grade
7 (70%) Tentamen	Must be ≥ 5.5
3 (30%) Essay	Mandatory

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

Weeknummer	Onderwerpen	Studiestof

6	Introduction
6	Basic particle physics
7	Cosmic-ray at low energies
7	Sources of cosmic rays
8	Cosmic ray detection physics
8	Ultra-high energy cosmic rays
9	Diffusive shock acceleration
9	Non-linear shock acceleration
10	Supernova Remnants/Galactic Sources
10	Extra galactic cosmic ray sources/Sources of UHE CRs
11	Fermi and Fermi data analysis
11	Fermi Bubbles (t.b.c.)
12	Neutrinos, oscillations, properties and astrophysical aspects
12	Neutrino detection and observations

Owner	Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator	dr. R. Bruijn
Part of	Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics,

Astroparticle Physics