87966 - Astroparticle Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course students will learn about the physical mechanisms behind the acceleration, propagation and energy evolution of cosmic rays on a variety of astrophysical scales and environments, and about the observational and experimental methods to detect them. The course will also give an overview of open challenges in our understanding of neutrinos and dark matter candidates, closely connecting between astrophysics and particle physics.

Course contents

1. General and historical overview on astroparticles: cosmic rays, neutrinos and dark matter.

2. Overview on the Standard Model of fundamental particles and forces.

3. Propagation of cosmic rays: Lorentz force, diffusion in different regimes, turbulence.

4. Acceleration processes of cosmic rays: reconnection, Fermi I and II, Diffusive Shock Acceleration Theory. Case study: Solar Flares, Supernova Remnants, Radio Relics

5. Energy losses of cosmic rays: ionisation losses, nuclear interactions, synchrotron, inverse Compton, adiabatic losses, photo and pair production. Case study: Radio halos in galaxy clusters  and molecular clouds in the Milky Way.

6. Ultra High Energy Cosmic rays.

7. Cosmic rays in the Milky Way: sources, composition and spatial distribution.

8. Direct and indirect observations of cosmic rays.

9. Neutrinos: sources, neutrino oscillations and detection strategies.

10. Dark Matter: standard model, cosmological origin, possible candidates and detection strategies.

Readings/Bibliography

The slides prepared by the professor are designed to fully cover all topics of this Course.

As additional books to support most of topics, I suggest:

High Energy Astrophysics 3rd Edition, by Malcolm S. Longair.

Probes of Multlimessenger Astrophysics, by Prof. Maurizio Spurio

Articles and other sources provided by the Professor, to focus on specific topics, will be also indicated during the Course.

Teaching methods

Lectures in presence.

The most theoretical aspects of the physics of particles are presented together with numerical examples and calculations, in order for students to get used to the most practical aspects of this research.

(Anonymous) quiz using the Wooclap platform, in order to timely check the learning curve of the class.

Examples and applications drawn from the most recent astrophysical advancements.

All lectures are recorded and made available to students of the course. 

Assessment methods

During the course: theoretical and numerical problems to be solved voluntarily, and compared with the teacher. At the end of the course: oral exam.

The exam typically consists of 3 macro-questions:

1) the general presentation of a complex topic, in a schematic and clear way, in order to expose both the known aspects and those still mysterious or unclear;

2) an analytical demonstration of an important phenomenon or mechanism, carried out in class, to be carried out step by step.

3) the quantitative resolution of a problem, identical or very similar to those proposed by the teacher at the end of each block of lessons.

Final grade grading:

• 18-20: preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical ability that emerges only with the help of the teacher, expression in sufficiently correct language;
• 21-25: preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to independently analyze only a partial and limited number of aspects of the program, expression in generally correct language;
• 26-29: good preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology
• 30-30L: very exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argue and self-reflect, critical ability and to think "out of the box" when faced with new problems.

Teaching tools

Slides (PDF), quiz on "wooclap", web resources for further reading.

Office hours

See the website of Franco Vazza