Astroparticle Physics

Describes the branch of astronomy in which processes in the universe are investigated with experimental methods employed in particle-physics experiments. After a historical introduction the basics of elementary particles,

Explains particle interactions and the relevant detection techniques, while modern aspects of astroparticle physics are described in a chapter on cosmology.

Provides an orientation in the field of astroparticle physics that many beginners might seek and appreciate because the underlying physics fundamentals are presented with little mathematics, and the results are illustrated by many diagrams.

Readers have a chance to enter this field of astronomy with a book that closes the gap between expert and popular level.

Prof. Dr. Claus Grupen has studied physics in Kiel and has been visiting scientist and professor at the Universities of Durham, UK and of Tokyo, Japan. He has more than 35 years of teaching experience at Siegen University (physics and astrophysics). He has a long research history at CERN, there he focused on electron-positron physics with the ALEPH-experiment. In addition he is involved in the Cosmolep at CERN, studying cosmic rays. Prof. Grupen is fellow of the Royal Society of England and senior fellow of the Helmholtz Alliance for astroparticle physics.

Historical Introduction.- The Standard Model of Elementary Particles.- Kinematics and Cross Sections.- Physics of Particle and Radiation Detection.- Acceleration Mechanisms.- Primary Cosmic Rays.- Secondary Cosmic Rays.- Cosmology.- The Early Universe.- Big Bang Nucleosynthesis.- The Cosmic Microwave Background.- Inflation.- Dark Matter.- Astrobiology.- Gravitational Waves.- Neutrino Astronomy.- Extrasolar Planets.- Outlook.- Glossary.- Solutions.- Appendices.- Index.