My interests lie at the intersection of particle physics,
astrophysics and cosmology.
Dark matter: Recent observations from WMAP have shown that a
large fraction of the energy in the Universe - 30% - is in the
form of a dark matter fundamentally different from ordinary
matter. Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, or WIMPs, created
in the big bang, are one of the most promising ideas for what
this dark matter could be. Particle physics provides a
well-motivated possibility for the identity of the WIMP - the
lightest, and by necessity stable, particle in supersymmetry. I
am exploring new ideas on direct Dark Matter detection using
gaseous Xenon or liquid Argon as detection medium.
I am a member of the WARP experiment at Gran Sasso.
Solar Neutrinos: I am a member of the
Borexino solar neutrino
experiment. The Borexino experiment is now built and will start
taking data in 2006. I had a significant role in the construction
of the experiment, and had responsibilities for the construction
of the nylon vessels - thin nylon ballons that serve as the
scintillator containment system - and of the electronics for the
muon veto. Borexino is well poised to make the first direct
measurement of the low energy portion of the solar neutrino
spectrum. This will provide a very sensitive test of the
matter-enhanced neutrinos oscillations proposed as a solution of
the old Solar Neutrinos Problem.
Neutrinos oscillations are the first probe of new physics beyond
the Standard Model of Interactions. Borexino will also be able to
test several non-standard scenarios for neutrinos physics
hypothesized by theorists to explain results from past
experiments, i.e. Mass Varying Neutrinos (MVN) and Non-Standard
Interactions (NSI). Borexino will also be able to measure
neutrinos from radioactive decays in the earth's crust, the
so-called geo-neutrinos.
Teaching: Fall 2005 - Physics 101
Research Opportunities:
I am looking for one graduate student to work on the software and
analysis for the Borexino experiment. I am looking for a second
student to work on the Dark Matter and Ultra-High Energy
Neutrinos project.
For more information:
Cristiano Galbiati's webpage
Selected Publications:
|
