Astroparticle Physics (CSN2)

Among the main scientific goals of the research coordinated by the National Scientific Commission 2 (CSN2) we find the study of both particles and radiation inside the whole cosmos. These searches have been performed by experiments on surface of the Earth, at higher altitudes, in underground/submarine facilities and – finally – in space laboratories.

Dark Matter and rare decays are being currently investigated by state-of-the-art detectors employing the protection of layers of rocks to provide optimal conditions for detection, like in the Gran Sasso National Laboratories. Other elusive astrophysical mechanisms are being studied here, such as neutrinos from the Sun or from Supernovae, thanks to the shielding from penetrating cosmic rays achieved in these underground facilities.

In other cases, however, primary cosmic rays – that fill the near-Earth environment – are the main topic of research. Space-borne and balloon-borne detectors are designed and built in various INFN laboratories to study such radiation without the attenuation of the atmosphere in the former or with strongly reduced effects in the latter. Gamma-Ray astronomy is pursued at higher altitudes to reduce light pollution, while extremely high-energy phenomena (i.e. the one linked to neutrino astrophysics) are actively explored by centers on the sea floor.

Last but not least, more recently, the detection of gravitational waves had a great surge in interest, leading to the planning for future construction of advanced detectors like resonant bar antennas and large interferometers.

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The Tor Vergata INFN department is currently hosting the following experiments: