Physics and Astrophysics of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays

Peter L. Biermann, Günter Sigl (auth.), Martin Lemoine, Günter Sigl (eds.)3540428992, 9783540428992

The origin of the most energetic particles observed in nature is one of the major unresolved questions in modern astrophysics. Theoretical speculations range from electromagnetic acceleration in some unknown astrophysical source to as yet undiscovered particle physics beyond the Standard Model. These speculations have also lead to the development of new detection concepts and experimental projects, some of which are currently under construction. The present volume consists of a self-contained set of lectures which cover most of these aspects: from the speculative origins and the acceleration and propagation mechanisms to a discussion of the detection techniques. It emphasizes the strong interdisciplinarity of this topic and highlights the many open questions. This volume is intended for students entering this field and for professional astronomers and particle and theoretical physicists.

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Table of contents :
Introduction to Cosmic Rays….Pages 1-26
Phenomenology of Ultra-High-Energy Atmospheric Showers….Pages 27-44
The Air Fluorescence Method for Measuring Extremely-High-Energy Cosmic Rays….Pages 45-57
Fermi Acceleration of Astroparticles….Pages 58-89
Rotation Powered Pulsars as Sources of High-Energy Particles….Pages 90-121
High-Energy Particles from γ-Ray Bursts….Pages 122-154
Cosmic Magnetic Fields from the Perspective of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays Propagation….Pages 155-180
A Possible Nearby Origin for the Highest-Energy Events Observed….Pages 181-195
Propagation of Ultra-High-Energy Radiation….Pages 196-254
Neutrino Cascades: The Byproducts of Propagation of Ultra-High-Energy Neutrinos….Pages 255-274
Extreme-Energy Cosmic Rays: Hints to New Physics Beyond the Standard Model?….Pages 275-299
Summary of the School: A Critical View on the Origin of the Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays….Pages 300-317