Dark Matter : An Introduction

Encompassing cosmology, particle physics, and astrophysics, this book discusses symmetries, conservation laws, relativity, and cosmological parameters and measurements. It considers the astrophysical behavior of galaxies and galaxy clusters, evidence of galactic dark matter, and the possible nature of dark matter distribution; introduces theories such as supersymmetry and extra dimensions; explores particle candidates for cold dark matter beyond the standard model; explains calculation of relic density of a dark matter species; and reviews dark matter scattering, annihilation, and the latest dark matter experiments and techniques.

Dark Matter: An Introduction tackles the rather recent but fast-growing subject of astroparticle physics, encompassing three main areas of fundamental physics: cosmology, particle physics, and astrophysics. Accordingly, the book discusses symmetries, conservation laws, relativity, and cosmological parameters and measurements, as well as the astrophysical behaviors of galaxies and galaxy clusters that indicate the presence of dark matter and the possible nature of dark matter distribution. This succinct yet comprehensive volume:

• Addresses all aspects essential to the study of dark matter
• Explores particle candidates for cold dark matter beyond the theory of the standard model, providing examples of basic extensions and introducing theories such as supersymmetry and extra dimensions
• Explains—in simple text and mathematical formulations—calculation of the freeze-out temperature of a dark matter species and its relic density
• Provides theoretical background for dark matter scattering off a target, event rate calculation, and dark matter annihilation essential to study direct and indirect detection of dark matter

Complete with a detailed review of the latest dark matter experiments and techniques, Dark Matter: An Introduction is an ideal text for beginning researchers in the field as well as for general readers with an inquisitive mind, as the important topic of astroparticle physics is treated both pedagogically and with deeper insight.