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| Physics Colloquium,
February 23, 2010
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Neutrinos and the InnerSpace-OuterSpace Connection
Thomas J. Weiler
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Vanderbilt University
Large km^3 "neutrino telescopes" are recently operational.
For the first time in human history we can expect detection of
high-energy astro-neutrinos in the next year or two.
While high-energy photons are absorbed by background radiation, and
cosmic-rays are bent by intervening magnetic fields,
astro-neutrinos travel straight paths without attenuation.
Consequently, astro-neutrinos will bring with them unique information on the location and dynamics of their high-energy sources.
In addition, neutrinos carry an intrinsic quantum number called flavor,
which over time or space morphs ("oscillates") between e-, mu- and tau-neutrino flavors.
Somewhat surprisingly, the complications of neutrino flavor physics actually aid in
unraveling further properties of astrophysical sources, and of neutrinos themselves.
Concepts of neutrino astrophysics will be described,
and examples of potential measurements and inferences will be presented.
Dr. Weiler's Web Site
4:00 p.m., Physics Research Building (PRB), Room 1080
Reception at 3:45 p.m., Atrium, PRB
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