AST 564 Seminar on High Energy Astrophysics

Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisite: AST 461, AST 462

A survey of current research reports in scientific journals on topics concerning astrophysical plasma physics, magnetic field-particle interactions, gravitational and general relativity, and early stages of evolution of the universe (same as PHY 564).

syllabus

1. Introduction: High-energy quanta and particles in astrophysical plasmas
2. Radiation from moving charges. Formula for the dipole electromagnetic radiation, Thomson scattering, and radiation reaction.
3. Relativistic mechanics of charged particles.
4. Bremsstrahlung. Non-relativistic bremsstrahlung and Relativistic bremsstrahlung.
5. Synchrotron radiation.
6. Compton scattering.
7. Plasma effects.
8. Acceleration of particles by shock waves. Shocks, blast waves: Phenomenology. Fast particle interaction with shock front: acceleration, reflection and crossing. Fermi acceleration by shock waves. Fast particle acceleration by a moving spherical shock.
9. Non-thermal aspects of supernovae remnants. Supernovae: phenomenology, energetics. Particle acceleration, Plerions.
10. Relativistic radiation processes in a strong magnetic field. Physics in a strong magnetic field. Synchrotron radiation. Magnetic pair production and annihilation.
11. Curvature radiation of relativistic particles in pulsar magnetospheres. Magnetosphere of a rotating magnetized neutron star. Acceleration of charged particles and generation of high-energy quanta in a neutron star magnetosphere.
12. High energy aspects of accreting compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes), quasars, and jets.

Go to Astronomy Course Listing