Research in the division covers two main areas: high-energy astrophysics exploring the sources and acceleration processes of high-energy particles in the Universe, and particle physics probing the Standard Model. High energy astrophysics employs atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes to image gamma rays emitted by high-energy particle in our Galaxy and beyond. The division has contributed major parts of the hardware of the H.E.S.S. and HEGRA Cherenkov telescopes. Associated research groups cover theory and phenomenology of high energy astrophysics, theoretical astrophysics and infrared astrophysics. Accelerator-based particle physics projects are primarily aimed at the study of heavy-quark production and decays, with emphasis on CP violating processes. The GERDA experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory investigates neutrinoless double beta decay of ⁷⁶Ge, probing mass and nature of neutrinos.

Werner Hofmann
Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik
Walther-Bothe-Laboratorium, Room 212
P.O. Box 103980, D-69029 Heidelberg (Mail address)
Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg (Shipping address)
Phone: +49-6221-516-330, Fax : +49-6221-516-603
Secretary: Ruth Crespo, +49-6221-516-201, Ruth.Crespo AT mpi-hd.mpg.de
CV publications (up to 2008)   recent publications (Spires) talks