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 | Dr Giampaolo Pisano |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To introduce the basic physical processes by which high-energy photons and cosmic rays are produced by astrophysical sources.
To discuss the development and implementation of different methods for detecting high energy particles experimentally.
To apply ideas from relativity to astrophysical sources, especially relativistic beaming.
To expound the unified scheme for Active Galaxies.
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 and Continuous Assessment
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.
Background 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.