Non-Thermal Astrophysics

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
• probing particle physics beyond the Standard Model.

Our high energy astrophysics research is based primarily on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy using atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes and dense particle detector arrays to measure gamma rays emitted by high-energy particles in our Galaxy and beyond. The division has contributed major elements of the hardware of the H.E.S.S. Cherenkov telescopes and the HAWC high-energy extension, and plays a significant role in preparing the next generation Cherenkov Telescope Array - CTA. The group is also heavily engaged with research and development towards the Southern Wide-field-of-view Gamma-ray Observatory – SWGO. Associated research groups cover the theory and phenomenology of high energy astrophysics, plasma astrophysics and infrared astrophysics.

Exploring the properties of neutrinos, and in particular the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, is another major activity of the division. We play a leading role in the LEGEND project at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory, following up on the success of its predecessor GERDA. 

In the area of accelerator-based particle physics projects we are members of the LHCb collaboration, focusing on the study of heavy-quark production and decays, with emphasis on the phase space relevant to both particle physics and cosmic-ray physics.

• Max Planck Research Group Astrophysical Plasma Theory (Brian Reville)
• High-Energy Astrophysics Theory (Felix Aharonian)
• Infrared Astrophysics (Richard Tuffs)
• Director emeritus Werner Hofmann
• Director emeritus Heinrich J. Völk
• Relativistic Astrophysics (Heisenberg Fellow Frank Rieger, MPIK&ITA University of Heidelberg)