Experimental Particle Astrophysics

提案编号：0758079机构：东北大学NSF物理学：物理-粒子天体物理学主要研究者：Swain，John D.标题：实验粒子天体物理学 本文提出了一个宇宙线天体物理学研究计划的建议，该计划的重点是皮埃尔俄歇天文台（PAO），该天文台旨在研究能量超过10^19 eV的超高能宇宙线（UHECR）的起源和性质。 这些都是非常感兴趣的原因有几个。首先，很难解释观测到的最高能量是如何获得的。其次，在这样的能量下，带电粒子相对不受银河系和星系际磁场的影响，因此它们的到达方向可能揭示它们的起源。最后，UHECR与宇宙微波背景的相互作用（质子的“GZK”效应）应该会迅速降低它们的能量，从而将潜在的UHECR源限制在相对较近的物体上，在50 Mpc左右。然而，人们可以观察到这些粒子在高层大气中相互作用时引起的广泛的空气簇射。PAO采用两种不同的探测方法，既探测大气中空气簇射产生的氮荧光，也探测到达地面的簇射前沿粒子本身。这两种方法各有优势和局限性，并有效地相互补充。阿根廷门多萨省的南方天文台建设已接近尾声，该小组主导了离线分析软件框架的开发，为物理分析做出了贡献。他们计划继续在软件开发中发挥作用，并使用新数据扩展其分析工作。该计划的更广泛的影响包括跨领域的技术和方法的发展，例如与计算机科学和基于实验室的粒子物理学的联系，以及涉及定期在几个国家的报纸，广播和电视节目的大力推广计划。

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 0758079INSTITUTION: Northeastern UniversityNSF PROGRAM: PHY - PARTICLE ASTROPHYSICSPRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Swain, John D.TITLE: Experimental Particle Astrophysics ABSTRACTThis is a proposal for a research program in cosmic ray astrophysics focused on the Pierre Auger Observatory (PAO), an instrument designed to investigate the origin and nature of the Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs), having energies above 10^19 eV. These are of great interest for a number of reasons. First, it is difficult to explain how the highest observed energies are attained in the first place. Second, charged particles at such energies are relatively unaffected by galactic and intergalactic magnetic fields, and thus their arrival directions may reveal their origins. Finally, the interaction of UHECRs with the cosmic microwave background (the "GZK" effect for protons) should rapidly degrade their energies, and thus constrain potential UHECR sources to be relatively nearby objects, within 50 Mpc or so.Because of their low flux, it is impractical to directly detect UHECRs. One can, however, observe the extensive air showers these particles induce when they interact in the upper atmosphere. The PAO employs two distinct detection methods, sensing both the nitrogen fluorescence produced by air showers in the atmosphere and the shower front particles themselves as they arrive at the ground. These two methods have different strengths and limitations, and effectively complement one another. Construction of the southern observatory is nearing completion in the Mendoza Province of Argentina.This group has led the development of the offline analysis software framework and made contributions to physics analysis. They plan to continue their role in software development and to extend their analysis efforts using new data. The broader impact of the program includes the development of technologies and methodologies which cross domains such as connections with computer science and laboratory-based particle physics, and a vigorous outreach program involving regular newspaper, radio, and television appearances in several countries.