Cosmology and particle astrophysics

Lars Bergström, Ariel Goobar3540329242, 9783540329244

Beginning with some basic facts about the observable universe the authors consider in successive chapters the complete range of topics that make up a degree course in cosmology and particle astrophysics. The outstanding feature of this book is that it is self-contained, in that no specialised knowledge is required on the part of the reader, apart from basic undergraduate mathematics and physics.

This paperback edition will again target students of physics, astrophysics and cosmology at the advanced undergraduate level or early graduate level. One of the book’s biggest strong points is that the authors rapidly involve students in the most exciting of today’s developments in the field in a simple and self-contained manner, relegating the more technical aspects to appendices. The worked examples throughout the book, and summaries at the end of each chapter, which were expanded in the second edition, have been very well received by students.

This book offers advanced undergraduate level and beginning graduate level students a highly readable, yet comprehensive review of particle astrophysics. Competing books cover this topic at too advanced a level for this readership.

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Table of contents :
Cover Image……Page 1
Title……Page 3
Preface to the Second Edition……Page 5
Preface to the First Edition……Page 7
Table of Contents……Page 10
1 The Observable Universe……Page 16
2 Special Relativity……Page 29
3 General Relativity……Page 51
4 Cosmological Models……Page 72
5 Gravitational Lensing……Page 101
6 Particles and Fields……Page 119
7 Phase Transitions……Page 150
8 Thermodynamics in the Early Universe……Page 158
9 Thermal Relics from the Big Bang……Page 172
10 The Accelerating Universe……Page 188
11 The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation and Growth of Structure……Page 201
12 Cosmic Rays……Page 222
13 Cosmic Gamma-Rays……Page 235
14 The Role of Neutrinos……Page 245
15 Gravitational Waves……Page 281
A Some More General Relativity……Page 292
B Relativistic Dynamics……Page 303
C The Dirac Equation……Page 314
D Cross-Section Calculations……Page 342
E Quantum Fluctuations of the In.aton……Page 350
F Suggestions for Further Reading……Page 358
References……Page 360
Index……Page 362