What is Studied

The Astroparticle Physics and Gravitational Waves program naturally fits within the nuclear and subnuclear physics curriculum. Research in astroparticle physics investigates high and ultra-high energy particles of cosmic origin (cosmic rays) using orbiting detectors to measure primary cosmic rays or large arrays of ground-based detectors to intercept secondary cosmic rays produced by the interaction of primary rays with the atmosphere. Cosmic rays serve as a tool to investigate astrophysical sources, dark matter, acceleration mechanisms, and many other aspects of fundamental physics. In Florence, research in astroparticle physics has deep roots and today takes the form of participation in various international initiatives and collaborations, including: CALET, an experiment on the International Space Station to measure the flux of electrons and positrons up to TeV; HERD, an experiment in development for a future installation on the Chinese space station aimed at measuring cosmic rays and photons up to PeV; GAPS, an experiment searching for dark matter in the galactic halo.

Experimental research on gravitational waves has also recently drawn interest in Florence, with participation from the Department in the VIRGO (gravitational wave spectrometer in Pisa) and LISA (R&D for a future space-based gravitational wave interferometer) initiatives.

Courses

The following core and elective courses are recommended:

For further information on research areas related to the Astroparticle Physics and Gravitational Waves program and for thesis inquiries, you can contact Massimo Bongi (massimo.bongi@unifi.it, for astroparticles), Massimo Lenti (massimo.lenti@unifi.it, for gravitational waves) and the following pages:

Page of Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics Research at the Department

Astroparticle Physics @ INFN Florence

Thesis Opportunities