This book provides a remarkable and complete survey of important questions at the interface between theoretical particle physics and cosmology. After discussing the theoretical and experimental physics revolution that led to the rise of the Standard Model in the past century, the author reviews all the major open puzzles, among them the hierarchy problem, the small value of the cosmological constant, the matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the dark matter enigma, including the state-of-the-art regarding proposed solutions. Also addressed are the rapidly expanding fields of thermal dark matter, cosmological first-order phase transitions and gravitational-wave signatures. In addition, the book presents the original and interdisciplinary PhD research work of the author relating to Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particles around the TeV scale, which are among the most studied dark matter candidates. Motivated by the absence of experimental evidence for such particles, this thesis explores the possibility that dark matter is much heavier than what is conventionally assumed.

The inside story of the epic quest to solve the mystery of dark matter The ordinary atoms that make up the known universe—from our bodies and the air we breathe to the planets and stars—constitute only 5 percent of all matter and energy in the cosmos. The rest is known as dark matter and dark energy, because their precise identities are unknown. The Cosmic Cocktail is the inside story of the epic quest to solve one of the most compelling enigmas of modern science—what is the universe made of?—told by one of today's foremost pioneers in the study of dark matter. Blending cutting-edge science with her own behind-the-scenes insights as a leading researcher in the field, acclaimed theoretical physicist Katherine Freese recounts the hunt for dark matter, from the discoveries of visionary scientists like Fritz Zwicky—the Swiss astronomer who coined the term "dark matter" in 1933—to the deluge of data today from underground laboratories, satellites in space, and the Large Hadron Collider. Theorists contend that dark matter consists of fundamental particles known as WIMPs, or weakly interacting massive particles. Billions of them pass through our bodies every second without us even realizing it, yet their gravitational pull is capable of whirling stars and gas at breakneck speeds around the centers of galaxies, and bending light from distant bright objects. Freese describes the larger-than-life characters and clashing personalities behind the race to identify these elusive particles. Many cosmologists believe we are on the verge of solving the mystery. The Cosmic Cocktail provides the foundation needed to fully fathom this epochal moment in humankind’s quest to understand the universe.

This volume treats various facets of the dark matter problem. Its themes include astronomical data (galaxy rotation curves, dynamics of galaxy clusters, microlensing of stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud), particle physics (nonbaryonic dark matter, neutrinos) and computer simulation of the evolution of large-scale structure in the universe. Solar neutrinos and prospects for their detection through underground experiments are also discussed. The book will provide a useful reference for all those interested in astroparticle physics.

Delve into the mysterious realm of dark energy with this comprehensive guide that explores the nature, properties, and implications of this enigmatic force. From historical discoveries to current theories and research, this book covers the latest observational evidence and theoretical models surrounding dark energy. Learn about the expansion of the universe, experimental methods for studying dark energy, its role in astrophysics, and the cosmological implications that challenge our understanding of the universe. Discover the ethical and philosophical considerations of dark energy and contemplate humanity's place in the cosmos. Whether you're a student of astrophysics or a curious mind eager to unravel the mysteries of the universe, this book offers a fascinating journey into the realm of dark energy. Dive into the cosmic cocktail and expand your knowledge of the universe on e-commerce platforms today.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. With this graduate-level primer, the principles of the standard model of particle physics receive a particular skillful, personal and enduring exposition by one of the great contributors to the field. In 2013 the late Prof. Altarelli wrote: The discovery of the Higgs boson and the non-observation of new particles or exotic phenomena have made a big step towards completing the experimental confirmation of the standard model of fundamental particle interactions. It is thus a good moment for me to collect, update and improve my graduate lecture notes on quantum chromodynamics and the theory of electroweak interactions, with main focus on collider physics. I hope that these lectures can provide an introduction to the subject for the interested reader, assumed to be already familiar with quantum field theory and some basic facts in elementary particle physics as taught in undergraduate courses. “These lecture notes are a beautiful example of Guido’s unique pedagogical abilities and scientific vision”. From the Foreword by Gian Giudice