Particle Astrophysics

Key Features:

- Brings together the closely related fields of particle physics and astrophysics (traditionally taught as separate subjects)
- Written at a level suitable for average physics undergraduates
- Avoids complex theoretical treatments in field theory and general relativity
- Emphasizes most recent developments and outstanding problems in the subject
- Supplemented by over 100 exercises

Description:
Recent years have seen a fusion between the fields of elementary particle physics and the astrophysics of the early universe. Perkins introduces the background of the subjects and the latest developments at a level suitable for the average physics undergraduate. He then goes on to look at elementary particles and their interactions and role in the expanding universe, the problems and challenges of cosmological asymmetries leading onto dark matter and dark energy. The concluding chapters look at the growth of cosmic structure in high energy cosmic rays and on particle processes in stars. A balance is maintained between theory and experiment and the text supplemented with over 100 problems, together with answers and model solutions.

Contents:
1. Quarks and Leptons and their Interactions
2. The Expanding Universe
3. Conservation Rules and Symmetries
4. Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe
5. Development of Structure in the Early Universe
6. Cosmic Particles
7. Particle Physics in the Stars

Competition:
Bergstrom, L and Goobar: Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics, Praxis, 1998 £24.95
Comments: Includes some general relativity and field theory, aimed more at postgraduate level.
Klapdor-Kleingrothaus, H.V, Zuber, K: Particle Astrophysics Institute of Physics, 1999, £38.78 Comments: Mainly factual and non-pedagogical; no examples or problems.