Astroparticle Physics

The book describes the branch of astrophysics in which processes in the universe are investigated with experimental methods known from particle physics experiments. After a historical introduction to the basics of elementary particles, their interactions and the relevant detection techniques are described. The main body of the book concerns cosmic rays. The modern aspects of astroparticle physics are described in a chapter on cosmology. The book provides an orientation in the field of astroparticle physics that many beginners might look for. The physics issues are presented with little mathematics, and the results are illustrated by many diagrams. The reader has a chance to enter this field of astrophysics with a book that closes the gap between expert and popular level.

From the reviews:

"In astroparticle physics techniques known from particle physics experiments are applied to investigate the universe … . Grupen presents an introduction and overview of the main ideas and concepts of this rapidly growing field of research. Written in a very clear and readable fashion it is accessible to a broad audience. … is enriched with many diagrams and illustrations, increasing the readability of the text. … Grupen’s book is really a must-have for anyone looking for a good starting point in … astroparticle physics." (Michael Tytgat, Physicalia, Vol. 28 (4-6), 2006)

"Astroparticle Physics is a timely attempt to describe the status of a booming field at the interface of astrophysics, particle physics, and cosmology that has produced so many exciting results over the past few years. The format of the book, with the wide margin for keywords and figures, the extensive glossary, and the problems for each section (with detailed solutions), make it very readable and provide a good starting point for undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in astroparticle physics." (Johannes Knapp, The Observatory, Vol. 126 (1192), 2006)

"This book … covers a wide range and requires a good grounding in modern physics to be useful. … Included are a mathematical appendix and an appendix on the results from statistical physics necessary to understand the thermodynamics of the early universe. These additions make the book a good introduction to this rapidly moving subject. Each chapter offers problems with solutions, and a 26-page comprehensive index and references are included. A very useful book for the right reader. Summing Up: Recommended." (K. W. Ogilvie, CHOICE, March, 2006)

"Claus Grupen provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the main ideas and terminology of the study of elementary particles originating from astrophysical objects. … The style and presentation of the materialmake the book accessible to a broad audience … . A good selection of simple exercises with solution increases its pedagogical value and makes it suitable as a textbook for an undergraduate course. Non-specialists who want to follow the main issues of current research in the field … also benefit from Grupen’s book." (Marcello Lissia, CERN Courier, Vol. 46 (1), 2006)

"In the present context, Astroparticle Physics consists of the studies of charged cosmic rays, neutrinos, gamma rays, X-rays and cosmology. … The index is magnificent and there is a good, relevant, mathematical appendix plus a glossary of terms which is actually useful. Best of all, there are worthwhile problems at the end of each chapter, complete with full solutions at the end of the book. … this is a well written, well produced, text for a new field at a reasonable price." (Roger Clay, Australian Physics, Vol. 42 (5), 2005)