Scattering of Particles and Radiation in Astrophysical Environments

Scattering of Particles and Radiation in Astrophysical Environments
Author: Nicholas R. Lewkow
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 115
Release: 2015-11-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319250795

This thesis considers the non-equilibrium and energy transfer processes involved in the evolution of astrophysical gases and plasmas. Momentum-energy transfer in collisions of atoms, molecules and ions governs the evolution of interacting astrophysical gas and plasmas. These collisions require an accurate quantum mechanical description and the work presented here develops a unified kinetic and quantum-mechanical model for this consideration. The multi-scale computational approach implemented here takes into account non-thermal distributions of atomic particles and clarifies their role in the evolution of interstellar gas and planetary atmospheres. As shown, the physical parameters of non-thermal distributions strongly depend on the differential cross sections of atomic, molecular and ion collisions. Readers will find a detailed description of the energy relaxation of energetic atoms, produced in the interstellar gas by the solar and stellar wind plasmas. Computation of the non-thermal diffuse background of energetic helium atoms in the heliosphere is also included for evaluation of the contributions from local and cosmic sources and analysis of related satellite observations. Work involving modeling of energetic particle precipitation into planetary atmospheres and formation of the planetary and exoplanetary escape fluxes has been performed with very accurate cross sections, describing momentum-energy transfer processes with high precision. Results of the Monte Carlo simulations, carried out for the Mars atmosphere at different solar conditions, can be used for analysis of observational data for Mars atmospheric escape and investigation into the history of Martian water.

Scattering from Model Nonspherical Particles

Scattering from Model Nonspherical Particles
Author: Ferdinando Borghese
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2013-03-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3662053306

This book provides the first coherent account of a well-known approach to the problem of light scattering by small anisotropic particles. In this extended second edition the authors have encompassed all the new topics arising from their recent studies of cosmic dust grains. Thus many chapters were deeply revised and new chapters were added. The book addresses a wide spectrum of applications.

Particle Cosmology and Astrophysics

Particle Cosmology and Astrophysics
Author: Dan Hooper
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 449
Release: 2024-05-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691235066

A graduate-level introduction to the interface between particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology This book explores the exciting interface between the fields of cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and particle physics, at a level suitable for advanced undergraduate- to graduate-level students as well as active researchers. Without assuming a strong background in particle physics or quantum field theory, the text is designed to be accessible to readers from a range of backgrounds and presents both fundamentals and modern topics in a modular style that allows for flexible use and easy reference. It offers coverage of general relativity and the Friedmann equations, early universe thermodynamics, recombination and the cosmic microwave background, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the origin and detection of dark matter, the formation of large-scale structure, baryogenesis and leptogenesis, inflation, dark energy, cosmic rays, neutrino and gamma-ray astrophysics, supersymmetry, Grand Unified Theories, sterile neutrinos, and axions. The book also includes numerous worked examples and homework problems, many with solutions. Particle Cosmology and Astrophysics provides readers with an invaluable entrée to this cross-disciplinary area of research and discovery. Accessible to advanced undergraduate to graduate students, as well as researchers in cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and particle physics Does not assume a strong background in particle physics or quantum field theory and contains two chapters specifically for readers with no background in particle physics Broad scope, covering many topics across particle physics, astrophysics, and particle cosmology Modular presentation for easy reference and flexible use Provides more than 200 homework problems, many with solutions Ideal for course use or self-study and reference

Radiative Processes in Astrophysics

Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
Author: George B. Rybicki
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2008-09-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 352761818X

Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: This clear, straightforward, and fundamental introduction is designed to present-from a physicist's point of view-radiation processes and their applications to astrophysical phenomena and space science. It covers such topics as radiative transfer theory, relativistic covariance and kinematics, bremsstrahlung radiation, synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, some plasma effects, and radiative transitions in atoms. Discussion begins with first principles, physically motivating and deriving all results rather than merely presenting finished formulae. However, a reasonably good physics background (introductory quantum mechanics, intermediate electromagnetic theory, special relativity, and some statistical mechanics) is required. Much of this prerequisite material is provided by brief reviews, making the book a self-contained reference for workers in the field as well as the ideal text for senior or first-year graduate students of astronomy, astrophysics, and related physics courses. Radiative Processes in Astrophysics also contains about 75 problems, with solutions, illustrating applications of the material and methods for calculating results. This important and integral section emphasizes physical intuition by presenting important results that are used throughout the main text; it is here that most of the practical astrophysical applications become apparent.

Very High Energy Cosmic Gamma Radiation

Very High Energy Cosmic Gamma Radiation
Author: Felix A. Aharonian
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 516
Release: 2004
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789812561732

Gamma ray astronomy, the branch of high energy astrophysics that studies the sky in energetic ?-ray photons, is destined to play a crucial role in the exploration of nonthermal phenomena in the Universe in their most extreme and violent forms. The great potential of this discipline offers impressive coverage of many OC hot topicsOCO of modern astrophysics and cosmology, such as the origin of galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays, particle acceleration and radiation processes under extreme astrophysical conditions, and the search for dark matter."

Acceleration and Propagation of Cosmic Rays in High-Metallicity Astrophysical Environments

Acceleration and Propagation of Cosmic Rays in High-Metallicity Astrophysical Environments
Author: Ana Laura Müller
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 141
Release: 2022-10-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3031103068

This thesis addresses the feasibility of the production of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays in starburst galaxies and active galactic nuclei. These astrophysical objects were theoretically proposed as candidate sources a long time ago. Nevertheless, the interest in them has been recently renewed due to the observational data collected by the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Telescope Array. In this work, a comprehensive review of the current status of the research on cosmic rays accelerators is provided, along with a summary of the principal concepts needed to connect these relativistic particles with electromagnetic and neutrino observations in the multi-messenger era. On one hand, the hypothesis of accelerating particles with energies above 1018 eV in starburst superwinds is carefully revisited, taking into account the constraints imposed by the most recent electromagnetic observations. On the other hand, an alternative new model for the gamma emission of the nearby active galaxy NGC 1068 is presented. The implications of the results of these studies are discussed in terms of the contemporary observatories and prospects for future experiments are offered.

Light Scattering Reviews 8

Light Scattering Reviews 8
Author: Alexander A. Kokhanovsky
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 653
Release: 2013-06-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642321062

Light scattering review (vol 8) is aimed at the presentation of recent advances in radiative transfer and light scattering optics. The topics to be covered include: scattering of light by irregularly shaped particles suspended in atmosphere (dust, ice crystals), light scattering by particles much larger as compared the wavelength of incident radiation, atmospheric radiative forcing, astrophysical radiative transfer, radiative transfer and optical imaging in biological media, radiative transfer of polarized light, numerical aspects of radiative transfer.

Astrophysical Sources of High Energy Particles and Radiation

Astrophysical Sources of High Energy Particles and Radiation
Author: Tomasz Bulik
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2005-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN:

The main purpose of this conference was to present an overview of the current state of research in the area of high energy astrophysics. In particular, the mechanisms of particle acceleration, generation of high energy radiation, and polarization properties of such emission were discussed. A broad range of compact and diffuse sources, ranging from stellar to extragalactic objects are covered.

Essential Radio Astronomy

Essential Radio Astronomy
Author: James J. Condon
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 376
Release: 2016-04-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 069113779X

The ideal text for a one-semester course in radio astronomy Essential Radio Astronomy is the only textbook on the subject specifically designed for a one-semester introductory course for advanced undergraduates or graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics. It starts from first principles in order to fill gaps in students' backgrounds, make teaching easier for professors who are not expert radio astronomers, and provide a useful reference to the essential equations used by practitioners. This unique textbook reflects the fact that students of multiwavelength astronomy typically can afford to spend only one semester studying the observational techniques particular to each wavelength band. Essential Radio Astronomy presents only the most crucial concepts—succinctly and accessibly. It covers the general principles behind radio telescopes, receivers, and digital backends without getting bogged down in engineering details. Emphasizing the physical processes in radio sources, the book's approach is shaped by the view that radio astrophysics owes more to thermodynamics than electromagnetism. Proven in the classroom and generously illustrated throughout, Essential Radio Astronomy is an invaluable resource for students and researchers alike. The only textbook specifically designed for a one-semester course in radio astronomy Starts from first principles Makes teaching easier for astronomy professors who are not expert radio astronomers Emphasizes the physical processes in radio sources Covers the principles behind radio telescopes and receivers Provides the essential equations and fundamental constants used by practitioners Supplementary website includes lecture notes, problem sets, exams, and links to interactive demonstrations An online illustration package is available to professors

Principles of Radiation Interaction in Matter and Detection

Principles of Radiation Interaction in Matter and Detection
Author: Claude Leroy
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 951
Release: 2009
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9812818286

This book, like its first edition, addresses the fundamental principles of interaction between radiation and matter and the principle of particle detectors in a wide scope of fields, from low to high energy, including space physics and the medical environment. It provides abundant information about the processes of electromagnetic and hadronic energy deposition in matter, detecting systems, and performance and optimization of detectors. In this second edition, new sections dedicated to the following topics are included: space and high-energy physics radiation environment, non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL), displacement damage in silicon devices and detectors, single event effects, detection of slow and fast neutrons with silicon detectors, solar cells, pixel detectors, and additional material for dark matter detectors. This book will benefit graduate students and final-year undergraduates as a reference and supplement for courses in particle, astroparticle, and space physics and instrumentation. A part of it is directed toward courses in medical physics. The book can also be used by researchers in experimental particle physics at low, medium, and high energy who are dealing with instrumentation.