PX3245: High-Energy Astrophysics

School Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy
Department Code PHYSX
Module Code PX3245
External Subject Code 100415
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Walter Gear
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Describe the basic principles behind the detection of X-rays and Gamma rays, and of cosmic rays.
Use basic physical theory to account for common high-energy radiation production processes.
Derive the equations describing the structure of accretion disks.
Use basic physical theory to account for the radiation emitted by pulsars.
Derive the equations of relativistic Doppler boosting, and relate these to the observed properties of high-energy astrophysical sources.
Describe the observational properties and theoretical models of Gamma-ray bursters.

How the module will be delivered

Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Exercises.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Problem solving. Mathematics. Investigative skills. Analytical skills.

How the module will be assessed

Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 High-Energy Astrophysics 2
Written Assessment 20 High-Energy Astrophysics N/A

Syllabus content

Introduction: Definition and units. Historical overview
Detection Methods: Basic principles and specific detection techniques for high-energy photons and other particles
Cosmic Rays: Observed energy spectrum. Models for acceleration. Ultra-high energy cosmic rays and the GZK problem.
Radiation Processes: Photoionization, photoelectric effect, pair production, Bremsstrahlung, Compton and Inverse-Compton, synchrotron radiation.
Stellar Sources: Emission from stars, including Supernovae.
Pulsars: Observed properties of pulsars. Simple models: light cylinder; relativistic beaming, energetics.
Accretion Disks: Binary systems of different types. Roche Lobe overflow and accretion. Thin-disk approximation. Magnetic fields. Black holes. Accretion onto supermassive objects.
Active Galactic Nuclei: Observational classification. Energy budgets. Radio-loud and radio-quiet objects. Relativistic beaming and superluminal motion. The unified model and tests thereof.
Gamma-ray Bursts: Observed properties. Distribution over the celestial sphere. Proof of extragalactic origin, energetics. Theoretical models.

Essential Reading and Resource List

There is no set textbook for this module, however you may find parts of the following books useful for reference (all are available in the library):
High-Energy Astrophysics Vols 1 and 2, M S Longair.
Astrophysical Techniques, C R Kitchin.
Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Rybicki and Lightman.


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