RUI: Analysis of TeV Gamma-Rays from AGN and Dark Matter

伽马射线是电磁辐射的最高能量形式。对天体物理伽马射线的观测可以作为宇宙中最极端环境中的物理条件和过程的探测器，并可用于测试基本物理。位于亚利桑那州南部的高能辐射成像望远镜阵列系统(VERITAS)是一个地面天文台，旨在研究高能伽马射线。VERITAS具有独特的能力，可以提供对银河系和银河系外来源的高灵敏度定点观测。该奖项支持加州理工州立大学的科学家与Veritas一起开展研究。该小组将致力于改进Veritas的伽马射线探测算法，并使用改进后的灵敏度来研究活动星系中的加速机制，并搜索暗物质。本科生将参与这项研究。该小组将与科学和数学教育卓越中心合作，向学生传播黑洞物理和高能伽马射线发射。他们还将与实习教师和研究计划的教师合作，开发可用于中学课程的教学补充材料。VERITAS已经开始了一项广泛的银河系和银河系外源观测计划，以及对暗物质等新物理特征的研究。凭借这一奖项，加州理工州立大学小组将致力于改进立体重建算法，重点关注伽马射线簇射撞击位置、天顶、方位、簇射高度和能量。该小组的本科生将使用改进的检测算法来分析blazar数据。该小组将研究矮小星系的观测，以寻找暗物质的特征。

Gamma-rays are the highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Observations of astrophysical gamma-rays serve as probes of physical conditions and processes in the most extreme environments throughout the Universe, and can be used to test fundamental physics. The Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS), located in southern Arizona, is a ground-based observatory designed to study high energy gamma-rays. VERITAS has unique capabilities, providing high sensitivity pointed observations of both galactic and extragalactic sources. This award supports scientists at California Polytech State University to carry out research with VERITAS. The group will work on improved gamma-ray detection algorithms for VERITAS and use the improved sensitivity to study acceleration mechanisms in active galaxies and to search for dark matter. Undergraduates will be involved in the research. The group will work with the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education to communicate the physics of black holes and high energy gamma-ray emission to students. They will also work with teachers in the Student Teacher and Research program and develop teaching supplements that can be used in middle school curricula.VERITAS has embarked upon a broad program of Galactic and extragalactic source observations, as well as studies of signatures for new physics such as dark matter. With this award the California Polytech State University group will work on improvements to the stereo reconstruction algorithm, focusing on the gamma-ray shower impact position, zenith, azimuth, shower height, and energy. Undergraduates in the group will use the improved detection algorithms to analyze blazar data. The group will study observations of dwarf galaxies to look for signatures of dark matter.