Physics and Astrophysics of Neutrinos

About this book

Observations of neutrinos being emitted by the supernova SN1987A, star neutrinos, and atmospheric neutrinos by means of underground detectors have provided new insights into astronomy. These observations have brought to light new unresolved phenomena such as the solar neutrino problem, spurring investigative studies among particle physicists and astrophysicists. Today, intense interaction and continual cooperation between specialists in the field of particle physics and astronomy/cosmology are a pre-requisite for conducting further studies. This book provides detailed elaborations on selected topics. One of the most important features of this book is its enumeration of a number of basic properties of neutrinos and their relationship to Grand Unified Theories. It does not cover all aspects of neutrino theory, but rather focuses on the origin of the neutrino's mass and the generation mixing of neutrinos. The neutrino experiments described were carried out mainly by Japanese researchers. All the kamiokande results, detector performances, and complete references are included. Experiments regarding the neutrino's mass are represented in the direct mass measurement, the double beta-decay experiment, and the neutrino oscillation experiment. The detection of low-energy astrophysical neutrinos is discussed. Particle acceleration mechanisms in astrophysics and the detection of high-energy gamma-rays and neutrinos are also represented.